BATAMCLICK.COM: The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Health Service (DPKH) of West Sumatra Province (Sumbar) explained the significant differences between cats and dogs when infected with lyssavirus, the rabies-causing virus, in terms of clinical signs or symptoms.
“Clinically, cats infected with rabies show different signs compared to dogs,” said Muhammad Kamil, Head of the Animal Health and Veterinary Division of DPKH Sumbar, in Padang, Wednesday (January 21, 2025).
Difference in Rabies Symptoms Between Cats and Dogs
Kamil explained that cats exposed to rabies generally do not exhibit reactive behavior. They tend to isolate themselves in dark places and experience gradual paralysis after infection.
On the other hand, dogs exposed to lyssavirus or in the excitation phase display highly reactive and abnormal behavior. The virus attacks the brain, causing the dog to not recognize its environment and habitat.
“Rabid dogs typically attack or bite anything they encounter, including humans,” Kamil stated.
Proper Handling for Rabies Bite Victims
Kamil emphasized that bites from rabid dogs near the head or nerve junctions require special treatment. In addition to the rabies vaccine, victims should be immediately given rabies serum.
“The rabies serum is administered to prevent the virus from reaching the brain. We need to act quickly so the antibodies reach the brain before the virus spreads,” he explained.
Rabies Cases in West Sumatra in 2024
Throughout 2024, DPKH Sumbar recorded 61 rabies cases across various regions of West Sumatra. The Limapuluh Kota District had the highest number of cases, with 17 incidents, followed by Pasaman Barat District with 12 cases, and Agam District with 10 cases.
Other cases occurred in Padang Pariaman, Sijunjung, Solok Selatan, Tanah Datar, Bukittinggi, Padang, Panjang, Kota Pariaman, and Kota Payakumbuh. No rabies cases were recorded in Dharmasraya, Mentawai Islands, Pesisir Selatan, Solok, and Sawahlunto during the same period.
Sumber: Antara