Pathology

         Rabies is an RNA virus that has a distinct bullet shape. It is in the genus Lyssavirus which is comprised of seven types of rabies virus’s. These include: rabies virus, Lagos bat, Mokola virus, Duvenhage virus, European bat virus 1 and 2 and the Australian bat virus (Rabies - CDC). After a bite wound occurs from a rabid animal, the virus moves through the neuromuscular junctions of the skeletal muscle to the peripheral nerves. Eventually the virus travels along axons to the dorsal root ganglion, where it produces flu like symptoms. The virus continues to travel in the central nervous system until it reaches the brain. Once in the brain, the virus multiplies in the neurons, and Negri bodies are formed. During this period, the symptoms progress very quickly causing the virus to spread to other organs of the body that are highly innervated. The virus spreads to the salivary glands, where it can be passed on to other animals through biting. It is important to note that the incubation period (the amount of time after the bite until the animal shows symptoms) can vary from weeks to months. During this period, the animal that was bitten cannot pass on the rabies virus. Although, some studies show that rabies virus can be transmitted a few days before the onset of symptoms (Brower).

Transmission and Pathology of the rabies virus 
(http://pathmicro.med.sc.edu/virol/rabies.htm)