Animals at risk
Wild animals are the main reservoirs of the rabies virus in North America (e.g. bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes). Domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and livestock are accidental hosts, but can nonetheless serve as intermediaries for human infection.
All mammals are susceptible to rabies, and all species infected with rabies show signs of nervous-system involvement. Regardless of species, the most characteristic symptoms are change in behavior and paralysis.
