Rabies is a zoonotic disease that is caused by a virus. A 'zoonotic disease' means that it is a disease that can spread from animals to humans.
Some mammals are considered 'reservoir species' which means they can pass it on to other animals in such a way that it ensures the ongoing presence of the disease.
Domestic dogs are the main reservoir for human rabies in Africa and Asia and rabid dogs are responsible for almost all of the human rabies cases around the world.
Most people think of dog bites when they hear the word "rabies". This is true in most cases, but more specifically, rabies is spread in the saliva of infected animals. As such, people can get rabies if an infected animal bites, licks or even scratches them (if infected saliva is on their paws).
In fact, because rabies is found in the saliva, someone can get rabies if the saliva from an infected animal gets into a person's body through i) an open wound (even a wound not caused by the animal) or ii) contact with mucous membranes such as the person's eyes.
Rabies can be prevented through regular immunizations. In countries where rabies is endemic, meaning it either has proven it exists or has not proven it does not exist, keeping rabies vaccination current without lapses is often important for travel. Your pet's licensed veterinarian decides the appropriate vaccination schedule, and each destination sets its own rules for how long a rabies vaccination remains valid.
A lapse is when one vaccine is administered after the last date of efficacy of the previous vaccine. During the lapse, an animal can be considered vulnerable to the disease and can cause complications for international travel requirements.
It is important to vaccinate animals against rabies, and ensure the vaccines are given without lapses, so people living with animals and travel destinations are also kept safe from the disease.
Requirements vary by airline, route, and destination — always confirm current rules with your airline and the destination's official animal import authority; final acceptance rests with them. Medical decisions such as vaccines, vaccination schedules, treatments, and fitness to travel belong to your pet's licensed veterinarian. To get personalized guidance from the PadsPass team, complete your pet profile (microchip number, first scan date, and most recent rabies vaccination record).