What is rabies? Vaccination? Travel?
Rabies is a zoonosis, a disease that can be transmitted to humans.
Since 2010, there have been no cases of rabies in France among non-flying land animals. However, there are many cases in Africa and Asia. That is why there are strict regulations in place.
Symptoms of rabies:
_Long incubation period and species-specific variation: 20 to 60 days for dogs and cats, compared with 35 to 90 days for humans. The anatomical location is more or less near the head.
_Inevitably fatal once the disease has set in.
_No specific symptoms other than neurological ones, as the virus causes brain damage:
Paralysis of the limbs and jaw (difficulty chewing, swallowing, or producing saliva)
Disappearance of fear of humans (wild animals)
Ataxia (motor incoordination)
Altered barking or meowing (hoarse voice)
Aggression
Behavioral changes
Sensory Processing Disorders
The virus is usually shed in saliva, where it remains for eight days before symptoms appear.
The virus cannot survive outside the body but can only enter the body if there is an entry point. It enters through a bite, a scratch, or if the animal licks an open wound. You must come into contact with the animal.
Measures related to rabies prevention:
The vaccine:
For domestic carnivores:
The vaccine can be administered starting at 3 months of age. It becomes effective 3 weeks after the injection, giving the body time to build up antibodies. For boosters, it depends on the brand of vaccine your veterinarian uses, whether you’re traveling to a country with different regulations, and whether it’s for a dog, a cat, etc. so boosters can be given every 1, 2, or even 3 years. If the boosters are given on time, they’ll be effective immediately; if the booster date is even one day past, you’ll have to wait another 3 weeks for it to take effect.
Rabies vaccination requirements for domestic carnivores (dogs, cats, ferrets):
.Dogs in the first and second categories
.When traveling outside your country, be sure to check with the relevant companies (airlines, ferries, trains, kennels, campgrounds, etc.)—even if you’re staying within your own country.
The benefits of vaccination:
.Preventing the introduction of the virus into France
.Exemption from euthanasia for an infected carnivore if it is identified and vaccinated
.Retrieval of a carnivore from a pound in a department declared infected
Rabies Vaccination Certificate:
The animal must be microchipped, and a passport will be issued when it is vaccinated.
Placed under health monitoring:
Intended for animals that have bitten or scratched, whether vaccinated or not.
3 mandatory visits: 1_ On the day of the bite or scratch, or the following day. 2_ On the 7th day after the bite or scratch. 3_ On the 15th day after the bite or scratch. This 15-day period is necessary because any symptoms that might develop should appear by then.
Requirement for the owner:
Bring the animal to all three visits; dogs must be on a leash and muzzled, and cats must be in a carrier.
Must be kept in isolation.
If he dies, runs away, or shows symptoms, you must report it.
Prohibition on giving up the animal (except when impounded)
It is prohibited to have the animal vaccinated against rabies or to have it put down.
He may travel within France only with the approval of the DDPP. However, he may not leave the country.
If someone fails to show up for an appointment, please let us know.
If the animal dies during observation, or if there are symptoms of rabies and it is confirmed that the animal was infected. The person who was bitten must undergo treatment.
Be sure to consult your veterinarian for all necessary information and to plan ahead, as regulations may vary when traveling, and the process can take time, especially if a titer test (a blood test to detect rabies antibodies) is required.
