The silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1909-1925, 1915-09-18
HOW IS INFECTION
OF RABIES SPREAD?

A. w. Hendrick. president of the
State University. has sent the follow
ing communication to the newspapers
of the State:
THE following questions have been
asked the University by several citi-
zens of the State. to-wit:
81 How is the infection of rabies
spread?
"2. What should County Commits
sioners do with dogs?'
The questions have been submitted
to the department of veterinary sci
ence and the following answers are
given for the enlightenment of the
people of the State:
How is the infection of rabies
spread?'
"In most instances rabies is trans
mitted to the men and animals by the
bites of infected animals. Dogs, coy
otes and animals which naturally bite
as a means of offense and defense are
responsible for nearly all cases. Any
infected animal might transmit the
disease, but among domesticated ami
mails those most likely to transmit
1t are the carnivora. Infected horses
or mules might readily do so. There
is likelihood of cattle and sheep trans
mtting it, and ! know cases on record
where rabid men have done so.
1T is the practice. however in cases
of rabies in man to guard effectually
against transmission, as there is no
reason why a rabid man may not
transmit the disease as we'll as in
fected animals. That probably ac-
counts largely for the reason that
there are few or no instances on
record.
The disease may also be transmit
ted by the abrasion of the the skin by
the claws of infected animals con-
taminated by saliva. In fact any
method by which infection naturally
may gain access to the tissues of an
individual may be sufficient for the
transmission of the disease.
About twenty per cent of human
beings who are bitten by rabid ami
mails develop the disease. The per-
centage is much lower than in ami
mails. Doubtless the clothing of man
protects him many times. The dis
ease is always fatal once it develops.
What should County Commission
ers do with dogs?'
In a community in which rabies
exists, all dogs should be placed under
efficient restraint The restraint
should be such that it is impossible
for them to bite human beings or
other animals, or in turn be bitten
ny lae infected ANIMALS in towns or
cities The dog Is the principais in
fact, practically the only medium by
which rabies are transmitted. Re-
straint of dogs should consist of con-
finement in buildings sufficient TO
keep other dogs from attacking those
confined, or if dogs are allowed to
run at large. they should be we'll
muzzled or lead upon leash. The
County Commissioners should order
such confinement or muzzling and in
sist upon a rigid enforcement of such
ordinances. If dogs are found rum
ming at large without muzzle they
should be shot or captured and con-
fined. In cases of farmers. sheep
herders. etc. visiting town accom-
panied by dogs. the same regulations
should apply. If these requir ements
are complied with. the danger from
the spread of the rabies in towns will
be practically eliminated.
Australia is said never to have had
case of rabies. That country has
vigorously enforced a quarantine
against the importation of dogs Ev-
cry dog arriving in that country is
held in quarantine for a considerable
period In this way Australia has
been kept free from the disease.
Rabies could be effectually eradi-
Gated from well settled communities
if public sentiment would favor effect
ual control of dogs. The fact that
rabies, when once thoroughly es-
tablished in such communities persists.
| is due to the opposition of the dog
owners and dog lovers to muzzling.
1T 4
many. a well-fitting muzzle gives a
| dog no more Inconvenience than a
halter or a bride gives horse.
Muzzled dogs are more peaceable and
much less apt to engage in fights than
unmuzzled ones. In a community
| where rabies is prevalent the real dog
| lovers should seek to protect their
dogs against infection. and II seems
to me a muzzling ordinance generally
enforced should meet with the ap-
proval of all owners and lovers OF
dogs.
I'm Nevada the situation is much
| more difficult because of its sparsely
! settled condition and the presence OF
large numbers of coyotes and other
wild animals. Rabies for that reason
will be much more difficult to control
than in thickly settled communities.
However. a vigorous campaign against
wild animals with the control of dogs
above outlined should naturally re-
duee the disease In question.
ITO summarize briefly. the County
Commissioners should pass ordinances
and enforce them vigorously for the
control OF dogs. and should encourage
in every way possible the destruction
OF coyotes
w. b. MACK,