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Expert: - 12/21/2009


Question
Hello Dr. Chambreau, I have a little doubt about rabbis transmission and I wander if you may help, if I find a dead bat in my swimming pool, presumably infected, are there any chances of a person being infected by touching the water if him/her says, has any cut on his/her hands or accidentaly drink the water? The water is treated with chlorine and so.

Thanks for the attention, cheers...

Answer
In theory, rabies can be transmitted by saliva contact, but as far as I know that has not been officially reported. I am, however, in the USA, so I would STRONGLY suggest you contact a local brazil veterinarian or your department of agriculture for their information and to have the bat tested. The rabies virus can only be transmitted by a bite that injects the saliva that has the infective rabies virus. The virus is infective only for 10 days or less (at least in dogs and cats) before the animal shows severe symptoms and dies.  

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Dr. Christina Chambreau

Expertise

I can give you the holistic approach to any problem in any species, though mostly I work with dogs and cats. Depending on the condition and the type of animal, I will be able to give very specific treatment suggestions such as what flower essences, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements, diet changes, lifestyle changes or herbs that may be helpful - not drugs. I can also suggest where you can go for further education or to find a specialist in a specific holistic field. I can help you understand why your animal is ill and what improvements can be expected. I do not check messages more than every one to two days, so PLEASE DO NOT ask about EMERGENCIES - call your local veterinarian. I cannot diagnose your animal. I cannot prescribe specific treatments. I am no longer very current with conventional treatments, so cannot answer questions on those. I am not an expert on birds or small critters. I will give you helpful connections about hose species.

Experience

I graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980 and began using homeopathy in my practice after a client introduced me to it. By 1988 I was using exclusively holistic treatments. I began lecturing in 1987 and have spoken at veterinary conferences, health food stores, people's homes, churches, veterinary college conferences - anywhere people want to learn more about keeping their animals healthy.

Organizations
Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (I helped found this one) American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association National Center for Homeopathy American Veterinary Medical Association

Publications
I have written in many magazines, journals and newspapers. A few include Bark Magazine; Journal of the AHVMA; Baltimore Dog Magazine; Whole Dog Journal; Tiger Tribe; Wolf Clan. I have also been frequently interveiwed on radio and TV.

Education/Credentials
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Certified Veterinary Homeopath (CVH)

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