What should be done with unvaccinated animals that are exposed to rabies?

Unvaccinated animals exposed to rabies should be managed with either a booster vaccination followed by isolation for a specified period, typically 180 days, or they may need to be euthanized if the risk of rabies is deemed too high. This approach is grounded in the understanding of rabies transmission and the severity of the disease, which is almost always fatal once clinical signs appear.

The rationale behind this decision is that rabies is a serious viral infection that affects the nervous system and is transmissible through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Unvaccinated animals have not developed any immunity to the virus, leaving them vulnerable to infection. By isolating them for an extended period after booster vaccination, health officials can monitor the animals for any signs of rabies, thereby preventing potential spread to humans or other animals in the event that the animal does contract the virus.

The extended isolation period provides an additional precaution as rabies can have an incubation period that varies significantly, and observing the animal allows for close monitoring of its health status. In cases where isolation is not feasible or in situations where rabies exposure is confirmed, euthanizing the animal is a necessary public health measure to protect against the spread of this deadly virus.