All it takes is one bite from a rabid animal, with no follow up medical treatment, and death is virtually guaranteed. But there have been less than 100 deaths in the last century in the US. Why aren’t deaths more common, especially given the sheer volume of wilderness and wild animals in the US?
In: Planetary Science
If you own an unvaccinated pet, fines get astronomical fast. My county sends you an extremely threatening postcard with fines for failing to vaccinate for rabies about a month before your pet’s vaccination expires. When the pet dies, your vet records the rabies tag number, or you have to jump a shit-ton of hoops to report it yourself, or you will get ticketed for failing to vaccinate the next year. If you move and the mail does not reach you, they will find you. They do not fuck around. “Awwww, you rescued a stray dog who saved Timmy from a well! Sadly, you did not get Lassie vaccinated in the 72 hours you have owned her, please enjoy your $500 fine that doubles daily until that dog is vaccinated.” The IRS isn’t nearly as aggressive as animal control.
Also if you have an interaction with a bat in a county where rabies has been detected, you get your whole own TEAM of doctor, veterinarians, and public health officials freaking out and running everyone exposed through a gamut of diagnostic and precautionary measures. Ask me how I know! (I even got to talk to the CDC on the phone! It was like I had ebola!)
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