Humans acquire the rabies virus when an infected animal transmits virus-laden saliva through a bite wound or other opening in human skin. The virus can also be inhaled. Enclosed areas where persistent bat populations occur should be avoided. Rabies symptoms are variable. An animal may be aggressive or tame or show no unusual behavior.
Rabies usually results in death among domestic animals and wildlife, except in bats.
Dogs may become restless, aggressive or inactive. Paralysis, convulsions and heavy salivation often occurs before death. Other indications in dogs are voice changes or howling. Dogs tend to bite after the virus reaches their salivary glands. They almost always die within 10 days after salivary glands are infected.