Lets start off with a familiar one, Rabies. Rabies is caused by a member of the rhabdovirus family and is transmitted from one warm blooded animal to another by biting, saliva contact etc. The virus is generally carried in the saliva of its host, so if a infected animal licks his fur or is licked by one that is infected it can be passed on. There has also been reported that the virus remains virulent even in dry bat droppings, when disturbed the dust from bat droppings has been reported to contaminate a new host after coming in contact with moist tissue found around the eyes, nose and mouth.
Rabies takes two distinct forms.
This could be a sick raccoon or coyote wondering around in daylight hours. If approached this animal might attack you or exhibit other behaviors that are considered not normal. This form is marked by inactivity and incapacitation. The nervous system is profoundly depressed and the animal frequently dies without being discovered. Rabies can kill you if precautions are not taken, even saliva off the fur if contacted with a open wound on your hand.