Deadly Texas: Which Animal Spreads Rabies The Most?

Rabies is a terrifying disease- one that has haunted humans throughout history. The earliest record of rabies is nearly 4,000 years old in the Mesopotamian Codex of Eshnunna.

When you think of rabies, your first thought is likely of dogs, after all, we all know the tragic story of Old Yeller. However, any mammal can carry rabies- which is why it can be spread to humans.

However, due to vaccinations, dogs are not the primary spreader of the rabies virus. So which animal should you be on the lookout for to protect yourself and your pets?

There Are Two "Primary Reservoirs" Of Rabies In Texas

According to Texas Health and Human Services, the two animals most likely to have rabies (and therefore spread it) are skunks and bats.

Interestingly, scientists can tell which animal began a rabies outbreak because of the variant found in the diseased animal.

South Central Skunk (SCS) is a variant known to begin in skunks. So if a dog is sickened with SCS variant rabies, the outbreak likely began with a skunk and not a bat. This information can be very helpful in preventing a wider outbreak.

Since skunks and bats are the most likely to spread rabies, you should be exceedingly careful when handling either - of course, handling a skunk has other undesirable outcomes as well.

Additionally, you should vaccinate your pets according to the schedule set out by your vet, particularly if they spend a lot of time outside, or you live near an area with a lot of bats or skunks.

Note: it is a myth that possums cannot get rabies, however, it is exceedingly rare that they do.

Rabies Is Not As Rare As You Think

I asked myself, "How many people get treated for rabies in America each year?" My guess was a couple to a few hundred. That is incorrect.

According to the CDC, about 60,000 people are treated for potential rabies exposure in America each year. That is much higher than I would have thought.

So unless you want to add to that number, perhaps you should leave that skunk alone.