The Symptoms of Rabies in a Squirrel

Squirrels rarely contract rabies.

Rabies is a virus often transmitted through animal bites. It travels from the site of an infected bite to the brain, usually leading to death if untreated. Rabies may be contracted and transmitted by all mammals, but the disease is rarely found in squirrels, says the Missouri Division of Health. Avoid squirrels that are behaving oddly, but realize that rabies is far more common in foxes, skunks, cattle, unvaccinated dogs and cats, raccoons, groundhogs and bats.

Symptoms of Rabies in Squirrels

Symptoms of rabies in squirrels and other wild animals cannot be reliably determined by observation, reports the National Center for Disease Control. Stay away from any wild animal that seems confused, unafraid or ill; they could be carrying a disease other than rabies. Symptoms of rabies may include lethargy, dazed behavior, profuse drooling or extreme aggression.

Different Types of Rabies

Dumb or paralytic rabies is characterized by a slack jaw and frothing at the mouth. Animals with dumb rabies may also suffer paralysis in their throat or hind quarters, according to the Missouri Division of Health. Animals with furious rabies may seem manic and highly excitable, snapping, biting or clawing at anything crossing their path.

First Aid

Assume that a biting wild animal is rabid until proven otherwise. Rabies can lead to almost certain death if left untreated, and even bites from a squirrel should be treated as potentially life-threatening. Immediately wash the wound with soap and water and go to the nearest emergency room. You will need to undergo a series of vaccinations given over a period of six months if the animal cannot be captured or killed.

Determining if a Squirrel is Rabid

People bitten by a squirrel or other wild animal should contact the nearest conservation agent and report the incident. The authorities will attempt to trap or kill the animal so that it may be analyzed for signs of rabies. A veterinarian will euthanize the animal, remove and freeze its head and ship it to a state accredited laboratory for microscopic examination. Do not attempt to personally capture or kill a potentially rabid animal except as a last resort. Avoid shooting or crushing its head, as identifiers for rabies are found within the animal's brain tissue.

References

• Missouri Department of Conservation: Rabies: What To Do
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Rabies