The virus is usually transmitted by a bite from a rabid animal. Prompt and appropriate treatment, after being bitten and before the disease develops, can stop the infection and prevent the disease in people. Human rabies cases in the United States have occurred after close exposure to a bat without an obvious sign or recollection of a bite. Not all rabid animals foam at the mouth and appear mad.
Infected animals can be very calm and tame.
In recent years, cats have become the most common domestic animal infected with rabies because many cats are not vaccinated and are exposed to rabid wildlife while outside. Rabies also occurs in dogs and cattle in significant numbers. The disease has been diagnosed in horses, goats, sheep, swine, and ferrets. Improved vaccination programs and control of stray animals have been effective in preventing rabies in pets. Approved rabies vaccines are available for cats, dogs, ferrets, horses, and some livestock.