How long before the rabies virus leaves a dead animal?

Question

How long before the rabies virus leaves a dead animal?

Answer 1

It is a very short lived virus, it does not "leave" the host for say it dies (must have living cells to work with/on). Within a couple hours it is usually ok. But precautions should still be taken.

Answer 2

You would be unlikely to get it from touching a dead animal but there are other serious diseases you might get.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?...

"Rabies virus does not live very long outside the host and remains viable in the carcass of an infected animal for less than 24 hours. "

Answer 3

Information on a pet site might not be the best.  It's a concern in deer especially since one young hunter was exposed while field dressing, which is done immediately.  He died.  It's best to err on the safe side.  Note that, "The virus can survive indefinitely in carcasses properly preserved by refrigeration and freezing."

http://www.co.st-lawrence.ny.us/Public_H...

Answer 4

y? did u get bitten by a zombie koala bear er sunthin?

Answer 5

The length of time that rabies remains alive in a dead animal depends primarily on the outside temperature. The virus could die within a few hours in warm weather and could stay alive for months in freezing temperatures.

Can ur pet get rabies from a dead rabid animal?

--Yes, through an open wound or by chewing on the carcass. Have your vet administer a booster shot within five days. If your pet is unvaccinated, it must be confined for four months, or euthanized. You're not always going to know what your pet has been up to while outside, so the best protection for both your pet and your family is for you to keep your pet current with its rabies shots.