Rabies is spread from infected animals to people or other animals by saliva .
This could happen after being bitten or by contact with contaminated saliva on a cut or moist tissues of the mouth, nose or eyes. The saliva of an infected animal can spread rabies even before there are any signs of the disease. All animals that contract rabies will die. If left untreated , rabies is also fatal to humans. The time period between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms can range from approximately two weeks to many months.