County Public Health Contacts Find Us on Facebook  Follow IDPH
on Twitter  Rabies Information for the Public  What is rabies?
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that can infect all
mammals including humans. The rabies virus infects the central
nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain and
death.  What animals get rabies?  All mammals can get rabies.
Animals in Iowa are infected with rabies every year; some
animals are more likely to be infected than others. For example,
wild animals (especially skunks and bats) most often get rabies.
All domestic animals (such as dogs, cats, horses, and cattle)
can be infected. Rodents (such as squirrels, hamsters, and mice)
and rabbits very rarely get rabies.  How do you get rabies?
Anyone can get rabies after exposure to a rabid animal. Rabies
is spread when the virus from the animal's saliva gets through a
person's skin via bites or contact to wounds or contact with the
eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can also be transmitted through
contact with t