Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

True or False: Rabies is caused by a virus.

1. True

2. False

3. Only caused by bacteria

4. Only caused by parasites

The correct answer is: True

Rabies is indeed caused by a virus, specifically the rabies virus, which belongs to the Lyssavirus genus. This zoonotic disease primarily affects mammals, and it is most commonly transmitted through the bites of infected animals. Once the virus enters an animal’s body, it travels along the nervous system, ultimately leading to severe symptoms and often fatal outcomes if not treated promptly after exposure. The other options, which suggest that rabies could be false or caused exclusively by bacteria or parasites, do not align with established scientific understanding. Rabies is definitively a viral infection, and recognizing it as such is crucial for understanding its transmission, prevention, and treatment in wildlife and domestic animals.