Dangers To Sportsman

As hunters, butchers, trappers, taxidermist etc. we need to be aware of the dangers that lurk around us that we can not see.

RABIES: Lets start off with a familiar one, Rabies.  Rabies is caused by a member of the rhabdovirus family and is transmitted from one warm blooded animal to another by biting, saliva contact etc. The virus is generally carried in the saliva of its host, so if a infected animal licks his fur or is licked by one that is infected it can be passed on. There has also been reported that the virus remains virulent even in dry bat droppings, when disturbed the dust from bat droppings has been reported to contaminate a new host after coming in contact with moist tissue found around the eyes, nose and mouth.
     Rabies takes two distinct forms. "Furious" or highly excitable rabies, is marked by the infected animal being confused and agitated. This could be a sick raccoon or coyote wondering around in daylight hours. If approached this animal might attack you or exhibit other behaviors that are considered not normal.
     The second form is called "dumb"  or paralytic rabies. This form is marked by inactivity and incapacitation. The nervous system is profoundly depressed and the animal frequently dies without being discovered.
     Rabies can kill you if precautions are not taken, even saliva off the fur if contacted with a open wound on your hand. Or if you touch a moist area like your eyes, nose, mouth after you have touched an infected animal could cause you to be infected. A simple way to prevent rabies contact is to wear protective gloves like the doctors use, they are fairly inexpensive and can be found in any pharmacy. This is not something to take lightly you can carry the virus on your hands, clothes and come into your house and touch your kids, wife, etc. So spend the $10.00 and buy a 100 rubber gloves and carry them in  your day pack when you are in the field.
     If you are in constant contact with unknown animals like me (taxidermist) you might want to get the rabies shots, they are a series of 3 shots and than a follow up booster each year.

If you need more information or have a Question, please Email me., Good Hunting 

 Be safe and be smart. 
Larry C. Reese
Wildlife Artistry Taxidermy