What animals can spread hydrophobia?

The term "hydrophobia" is often used colloquially to refer to rabies, a viral disease that affects the nervous system.

Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals. While the term "hydrophobia" refers to a symptom of rabies where the infected animal fears water, the actual term for the disease is "rabies."

Animals that can spread rabies include:

* Mammals:

* Domestic Animals: Dogs, cats, ferrets

* Wildlife: Bats, raccoons, foxes, skunks, coyotes, squirrels, woodchucks, weasels, and even rodents

* Less Common: There are rare cases of rabies in other animals like livestock (cattle, sheep, goats) and even birds.

It is crucial to remember that any mammal can potentially carry rabies. If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, it's important to seek medical attention and report the incident to local authorities.