Can rabies spread through food licked by a cat?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am having some doubts about rabies. Will rabies spread through food, which is licked by a cat? Will rabies virus die on heating?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am giving you my opinion regarding your doubts. Rabies can spread through the saliva of an infected animal, especially dog. But from saliva, the virus can spread if the skin is not intact or it can spread through mucosa contact. So, direct saliva contact to mucosa has more chances of getting infected with rabies. But, ingesting food licked by a cat has very fewer chances of spread. Yes. rabies virus is killed on heating. Take care. Hope your concern is solved. Thank you and take care. Regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Here is my further opinion about your case. After a dog or cat bite, vaccination is recommended whether that animal is alive or not because we cannot take the risk of acquiring rabies infection. If you are fully vaccinated, then whatever the severity, rabies immunoglobulin is not needed. The protective antibody is also present to fight against rabies virus. But as per WHO criteria, it is better to take two doses of vaccine at zero and three days for full protection, although you have been previously vaccinated. Hope this will help you. Take care.