Rabies protection
Rabies is a usually fatal disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, including humans, causing rapid paralysis of limbs and respiratory failure.
Rabies is a form of infectious disease that affects only warm blooded creatures (including humans). The cause is a virus that multiplies rapidly in a mammalian blood system.
Access is gained through bites and scratches from infected animals or through saliva in contact with broken skin. Once in the bloodstream the virus multiplies forming an invasive infection - affecting the central nervous system. The first signs are restlessness, followed by loss of muscular control such that the infected animal cannot stand, ultimately the heart and lungs lose their muscular capability, resulting in death.
The signs of restless nervousness, followed by aggressive behaviour by normally docile animals tends to be a short-lasting warning. Animals are often afraid of water during this onset period. In later stages the animal often shows foaming at the mouth. Any suspicion of an infected animal must be reported to the local Veterinary Service, or to Trading Standards Officers or to the Police.
Any suspected animal must not be approached as it might bite or claw the person approaching it. There is a set procedure to be followed once a suspected case of rabies has been identified. The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) will take charge of the contingency planning operation once their officials are advised. The most important part of this is to isolate a suspected animal and prevent it from attacking any other person or animal.
Therefore local warnings and exclusion zones must be strictly observed for the safety of all concerned. There will be warning signs at all entrance and exits to such premises.