Occurrence: Worldwide, with an estimated 35,000-40,000 deaths a year, almost all in developing countries.

Reservoir: Many wild and domestic Canidae, including dogs, coyotes, wolves and jackals; also skunks, raccoons, mongooses, bats and other biting mammals.

Mode of transmission: Virus-laden saliva of a rabid animal is introduced by a bite, scratch, or break in the skin.

Incubation period: Usually 3-8 weeks; depends on the severity of the wound, site of the wound, and amount and strain of virus introduced.

Methods of control and prevention: Register, license and immunize all dogs in enzootic countries; immunize all cats; maintain active surveillance for rabies in animals.

See pages 382-390 in Control of Communicable Diseases Manual for more detailed information.

The epidemiologic features of a zoonotic disease such as rabies may differ depending on geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic conditions since these influence the pattern of human-animal interactions.