Rabies Prevention: Why Vaccination Is the Law
Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear but 100% preventable with vaccination. Learn why rabies vaccination is required by law.
Rabies is one of the deadliest infectious diseases known — once symptoms appear, it is virtually 100% fatal. It's also one of the most preventable diseases through vaccination. Rabies vaccination is legally required for dogs in Macau and most countries. It protects not just your pet, but your family and community.
Key Points
- Rabies is 100% fatal once clinical signs appear
- It's transmitted through the saliva of infected animals (usually bites)
- Rabies vaccination is legally required for dogs in Macau
- All mammals can get rabies, including cats, bats, and humans
- Post-exposure treatment must begin before symptoms develop
- Vaccination is safe, affordable, and highly effective
Why Rabies Is So Dangerous
The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system, causing encephalitis (brain inflammation). Once it reaches the brain and symptoms appear, there is no effective treatment and death is inevitable. The virus is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. In Asia, stray dogs and wildlife are the main reservoirs.
Signs of Rabies
The disease progresses through phases: 1) Prodromal: behavioral changes (friendly animals become aggressive, shy animals become bold). 2) Furious phase: aggression, restlessness, sensitivity to light and sound, tendency to bite. 3) Paralytic phase: paralysis of the jaw and throat (hence 'foaming at the mouth'), inability to swallow, progressive paralysis, coma, and death. The entire course is usually 7-10 days.
Vaccination Requirements
In Macau, dogs must be vaccinated against rabies by law. The first vaccination is typically given at 3-4 months of age, with a booster one year later, then every 1-3 years depending on the vaccine used. Cats should also be vaccinated, especially if they go outdoors. Keep your pet's vaccination certificate — you'll need it for travel and boarding.
What to Do if Bitten
If your unvaccinated pet is bitten by a wild or stray animal, contact your vet immediately. The bitten pet may need a booster vaccine and quarantine. If a human is bitten, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention immediately. Post-exposure treatment in humans is highly effective if started before symptoms develop.
When to See a Vet Immediately
- Your pet's rabies vaccination is overdue
- Your pet was bitten by a stray or wild animal
- Unexplained behavioral changes (aggression, fearfulness)
- Difficulty swallowing or excessive drooling
- Paralysis of the jaw or limbs
- You need a vaccination certificate for travel
How RVC Can Help
RVC provides rabies vaccination and can issue official vaccination certificates. If your pet has been exposed to a potentially rabid animal, contact us immediately at +853 6677 6611.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is showing any symptoms, please contact Royal Veterinary Center immediately at +853 6677 6611.