About Rabies
Rabies is an infectious disease caused by the rabies virus, which can affect all mammals, including humans. Once symptoms appear, there is no treatment available, and the disease is invariably fatal.
Japan is considered a rabies-free country, but rabies continues to occur in many countries around the world, with 35,000 to 50,000 deaths reported annually.
The rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted through bites, scratches, or by licking open wounds or mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth. Infection can also occur if the virus is transferred from the claws of an animal that licks its paws. Once the virus enters the body, it travels along the nerves to the brain, causing severe neurological dysfunction. The virus then moves from the brain to the salivary glands and continues to multiply.
Owner’s Responsibilities
Under the Rabies Prevention Law, dog owners are required to register their dogs, administer rabies vaccinations, and attach a dog tag and vaccination certificate. By ensuring that many dogs receive rabies vaccinations, the spread of rabies through dogs can be prevented, even if the disease were to enter the country.
When starting with a dog over 91 days old, have it vaccinated against rabies at a local vaccination event or animal hospital as soon as possible. Subsequently, vaccinations should be administered annually, between April and June each year. After vaccination, the animal hospital will issue a rabies vaccination certificate, which should be submitted to your local municipality to receive the vaccination tag.
However, some dogs with severe immune disorders, undergoing chemotherapy, or with severe allergies may face life-threatening risks from rabies vaccinations. In such cases, consult with a veterinarian who can issue a rabies vaccination exemption certificate based on medical judgment. Note that while the exemption certificate can be issued for medical reasons, the Rabies Prevention Law mandates vaccination for all dogs, and exemption certificates do not hold legal validity.
If Infection Occurs
The incubation period from infection to the onset of symptoms varies depending on the site of the bite, but it generally ranges from 1 to 2 months. Initial symptoms in humans include fever, headache, and fatigue, often accompanied by pain or sensory abnormalities at the bite site. As encephalitis develops, symptoms include agitation, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, and extreme sensitivity to stimuli, leading to hydrophobia or aerophobia*.
Eventually, the patient may become unconscious, enter a coma, and experience respiratory failure, leading to death. In infected dogs, symptoms include severe agitation and aggression (furious form) or widespread paralysis (paralytic form). In both forms, dogs ultimately fall into a coma and die.
*Hydrophobia/Aerophobia: An extreme sensitivity to water or air on the skin, causing convulsions and pain when attempting to drink water or being exposed to even a slight breeze.
Treatment and Prevention
If bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal, including dogs, cats, or wildlife, immediately wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention. Once symptoms appear, there is no cure, so it is crucial to receive post-exposure prophylaxis as soon as possible. Post-exposure vaccination is recommended to start on day 0 and continue with doses on days 3, 7, 14, 30, and 90.
When traveling abroad, avoid contact with animals, and consider pre-vaccination if necessary, based on the local rabies situation.
Lastly
Rabies is a deadly disease with a 100% fatality rate. Japan remains free of rabies due to the diligent efforts of pet owners in vaccination and thorough disease prevention measures. However, since rabies still occurs in many countries, it is possible for the virus to enter Japan through various routes. To minimize potential damage, ensure your pets are vaccinated against rabies.
