What is rabies?
Rabies is a disease of certain warm-blooded animals and is caused by a virus in the Rhabdoviridae family. It attacks the nervous system and, once symptoms develop, is 100% fatal in animals if left untreated. In Colusa County, rabies occurs primarily in bats and skunks. Other potential wild animals that may carry rabies include coyotes, raccoons, and foxes.

In some instances, these wild animals can infect domestic cats, dogs, and livestock. In the U.S., cats are more likely than dogs to be rabid. Rabies is rare in small rodents such as beavers, chipmunks, rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice, or hamsters. Rabies can be prevented in humans, pets, and livestock with a vaccine.

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1. What is rabies?
2. How is rabies spread?
3. Where can I find more information about rabies?