Rabies is a viral disease that affects all mammals, including humans. Once clinical signs appear, rabies is nearly always fatal. The virus primarily spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, typically transmitted through bites or scratches. Understanding this disease, especially in wildlife like coyotes, is important for public safety.
Understanding Rabies in Coyotes
Coyotes can contract and carry the rabies virus. However, they are not always the primary vector in all regions, unlike raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes, which are more common carriers in the United States. Over 90% of animal rabies cases reported in the U.S. occur in wildlife populations. Though identified in some areas like southern Texas, instances of rabid coyotes have become less frequent due to control efforts like oral rabies vaccination programs.
Infection in coyotes is generally rare, and the domestic dog-coyote rabies variant was eliminated from the U.S. in 2008. As any warm-blooded mammal can contract rabies, coyotes remain a species to consider in management efforts. Wildlife vaccination programs, using vaccine-laden baits, help control rabies spread in populations like coyotes, reducing overall virus prevalence.
Identifying Rabies Symptoms
Rabies affects the central nervous system of an infected animal, leading to noticeable changes in behavior. Symptoms can vary and resemble other diseases, making definitive diagnosis challenging without laboratory testing. Rabies typically manifests in two forms: “furious” and “dumb” rabies.
Animals with furious rabies often display heightened aggression, unprovoked attacks, agitation, and may bite at imaginary or real objects. A coyote exhibiting unusual boldness or hostility toward humans could be a sign of this form. Conversely, dumb rabies is characterized by lethargy, paralysis, disorientation, and an uncharacteristic lack of fear towards humans. Affected coyotes might appear wobbly, uncoordinated, or seem to stumble. Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth, caused by difficulty swallowing, is another common symptom in rabid animals. Observing any abnormal behavior in a coyote warrants caution, even if daytime activity alone does not confirm rabies.
Safety and Prevention
To minimize rabies exposure from coyotes, avoid direct interaction with wild animals. Never approach, feed, or handle them. If you observe a coyote exhibiting strange behavior, such as disorientation or unusual aggression, do not approach it. Instead, immediately contact local animal control or wildlife authorities.
If bitten or scratched by a coyote or any wild animal, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. Promptly seek medical attention, and report the incident to public health officials. Medical professionals will assess the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which involves vaccinations and, in some cases, immune globulin to prevent the disease.
At home, ensure all pets, especially dogs, cats, and ferrets, are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations. Supervise pets when they are outdoors to prevent encounters with wildlife. Securing trash cans and avoiding leaving pet food outside can also deter coyotes and other wildlife from residential areas, reducing potential interactions.