Rabies FAQ : Prevention, Part 4

by CDC

(Page 7 of 7)

Can milk from a rabid animal contain rabies virus?

In theory, it is possible for rabies virus to be transmitted via milk, but there are no published studies that have demonstrated the presence of rabies virus in cows' milk. In addition, no human or animal has ever been reported to develop rabies as a result of drinking milk from a rabid animal.

Can people become infected with rabies by drinking unpasteurized milk?

In theory, it is possible for someone to become infected with rabies by drinking raw milk from an infected animal. However, no human or animal has ever been reported to develop rabies in this manner. Rabies is transmitted by direct contact with infected material (such as saliva from an infected animal) into an open wound or mucous membranes (such as the eyes or mouth). Several studies have shown that animals fed infectious brain tissue developed rabies. It was unclear, however, if the infection was caused by prolonged contact with mucous membranes in the mouth or if the virus was accidentally inhaled, causing the animals to be infected via the nose rather than the mouth.

It is important to know that milk that has been heat pasteurized presents no risk for rabies virus transmission.

Are children who drank unpasteurized milk from this farm at risk for developing rabies?

Healthy people who consumed this milk are at minimal risk of developing rabies from consuming this milk. Infants and persons whose immune system is compromised by disease or medication, those who have had recent oral surgery or tooth eruptions, or those who have ulcerations in their mouth, throat, or esophagus may be at higher risk for exposure to rabies virus. Post-exposure immunization should be carefully considered for such persons, in consultation with a health care provider or OSHD.

What should I do if I consumed unpasteurized milk from this farm?

Based on the timing of the cow's illness and the milking and bottling practices at the farm, milk and cream from the rabid cow were available for sale from December 4 through December 19. Infants and persons with certain medical conditions may be at higher risk for infection if they consumed unpasteurized milk or cream from the farm during this period. For such persons, a health care provider or the Oklahoma State Department of Health (405-271-0980) should be consulted to determine if rabies post-exposure vaccination is indicated. If you drank milk purchased from the farm at any other time, you are not at risk for rabies infection.

Are persons who visited the farm where the rabid cow lived at risk for rabies?

Only people who had direct contact with the saliva from the cow infected with rabies or who consumed milk or cream purchased from the farm from December 4 through 19 are at potential risk of exposure to rabies virus. Visiting the farm without having direct contact with the rabid cow is not a risk factor for rabies and does not require vaccination against rabies.

When was milk or cream from the rabid cow available for sale at the farm?

Based on the timing of the cow's illness and the milking and bottling practices at the farm, milk and cream from the rabid cow was available for sale from December 4 through December 19. There is no risk of rabies if you consumed milk or cream purchased during any other time from this farm. Cheese that was available for purchase at the farm during this period was not made from milk from the affected cow and thus is considered safe.

Is there a risk of rabies from eating cheese from this farm?

Due to enzymatic and other processes involved in making cheese, this food does not present a risk for rabies virus exposure. Cheese that was available for purchase at the farm during this period was not made from milk from the affected cow and thus is considered safe.

I've been told I need to receive rabies vaccination-what does this involve?

Rabies treatment, called post-exposure prophylaxis (or PEP), consists of a dose of human rabies immune globulin and 5 doses of rabies vaccine given on treatment days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28. The vaccine is given in a muscle, usually in the upper arm. The treatment is highly effective at preventing rabies following an exposure if given before symptoms of rabies infection appear. If a person has previously received rabies treatment or has been pre-vaccinated for rabies, only 2 doses of vaccine (on days 0 and 3) will be given, and human rabies immune globulin is not required. You will be advised by your health care provider and local health department where to seek treatment.

Are there any risks associated with rabies vaccination?

Adverse reactions to rabies vaccine and immune globulin are not common. Newer vaccines in use today cause fewer adverse reactions than previously available vaccines. Mild, local reactions to the rabies vaccine, such as pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site, have been reported. Symptoms such as headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches, and dizziness have been reported rarely. Local pain and low-grade fever may follow injection of rabies immune globulin.

About the Author

www.cdc.gov
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the principal agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and for providing essential human services, especially for those people who are least able to help themselves.