Rabbits & Rabies

Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system in mammals. There is no documented case of a rabbit giving rabies to a person in the United States. Bites from rabbits rarely require treatment, according to the Center for Disease Control. However, even though it is rare, rabbits can get rabies.

  1. Infection

    • According to PetMD, rabbits usually get rabies from a bite by an infected animal, but it can also be from infected material getting into a wound, mouth, eyes or nose.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of rabies vary but include problems swallowing, abnormal salivating, behavior changes, fever, paralysis and open mouth or slack jaw. A rabbit with symptoms or that may have been bitten by another animal should be taken to the veterinarian.

    Progression

    • Rabies causes swelling of the brain and death. Death usually occurs only a few days after symptoms appear.

    Exposure

    • Quarantining for up to six months may be required for a rabbit with possible rabies exposure but showing no symptoms, according to PetMD. A rabbit with rabies is usually euthanized because there is no treatment and it poses infection risks.

    Cleaning

    • According to PetMD, using bleach to clean all areas where an infected animal had access will kill the virus.

    Warning

    • Report any animal bite to your doctor. Have the animal examined if possible. An animal that behaves abnormally is a possible rabies threat. Any person or animal exposed to an infected animal need evaluation.