Rabies, Disease & Vector Control Resources

Arbovirus: Arbovirus are viruses spread by arthropods like ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects.

Arthropod: an organism that has jointed appendages and segmented external skeleton, such as mosquitoes, ticks and bedbugs. Think "insects."

Rabies: Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. Rabies can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive the medical care after a rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain and death. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and getting medical care after exposures and before symptoms start.

Rodent: There are many kinds of rodents, including rats, mice, squirrels, chipmunks, beavers and prairie dogs. Rodents in the United States play an important role in the health of grasslands and forests, and they are a major source of food for many animals like hawks, fox, bobcats, and wolves. Some types of rodents, such as rats and mice, are pests when they infest houses, threaten public health, and destroy property.

Vector: A vector is an organism which spreads diseases from one host to another. Examples of vectors are mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.