NACA Animal Control Officers Practice Test

How are rabies typically transmitted?

1. Through respiratory droplets

2. By direct contact with infected blood

3. Saliva entering an open wound or mucosa

4. Through food contaminated by infected animals

The correct answer is: Saliva entering an open wound or mucosa

Rabies is primarily transmitted when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body of another animal or human. This usually occurs through bites or scratches where the saliva can directly contact open wounds or mucous membranes. The rabies virus thrives in the saliva of infected animals, making this method of transmission particularly effective. In contrast, transmission through respiratory droplets or contaminated food is not a common route for rabies, as the virus does not spread through the air or via ingestion in the way certain other pathogens do. The virus requires a specific route of entry into the body, which aligns with contact through saliva and open wounds. The focus on direct contact with blood is also less relevant, as the virus does not typically circulate in the bloodstream and is less likely to be transmitted through that medium compared to saliva.