Hogs and Rabies

The major carriers of rabies in the United States are wild animals such as bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks. Rabies is a virus that attacks the central nervous system and causes inflammation of the brain. Domesticated animals, such as hogs, are exposed to rabies when they come into contact with infected wild animals.

  1. Signs and Symptoms

    • Most often, rabies is transmitted by an animal bite. A hog that has contracted rabies might seem overly agitated and uncoordinated. In some cases, the hog will foam at the mouth, chew rapidly and have convulsions. Once paralysis sets in, the hog will die within two days. Initially, it might be difficult to confirm a rabies diagnosis, as a disease known as pseudorabies imitates the symptoms in pigs.

    Vaccinations

    • Unfortunately, while there are vaccinations against rabies for many domesticated animals, there is no licensed vaccination for pigs.

    Warning

    • Humans can contract rabies from both domesticated and wild animals. If you come into contact with a hog behaving strangely or aggressively, keep your distance. If bitten by an animal you suspect has rabies, visit a doctor immediately.