New rapid rabies test. It's about time!

If you read my blog you know that those who use fear to push over-use of the rabies vaccine is one of my soap-boxes (see Fear-mongering isn't just for politicians, below). A new rapid rabies test may take away some of the fear pressure.

Current rabies testing requires the dog or other animal to be euthanized in order for the brain tissue to be tested. Typically this is only done when the animal has never been vaccinated for rabies, is believed to have been exposed to rabies, and has bitten a person. Rabies can be fatal in days once it has reached the brain tissue, so doctors can't wait if they need to admister rabies shots to a person. The shots are quite painful and expensive, so they don't want to do it unless they are sure of the exposure.

The new portable Rabies RAPID™ (Rapid Antibody Portable Immunodetection) Screen, by the Dyne Immune corporation, can detect the presence of rabies in an animal saliva sample within 30 minutes. The new test is sure to be hugely successful at animal shelters and especially in the Third World, where rabies in dogs is common. Canine rabies in the U.S. is rare, due to the prevalence of rabies vaccination. Most people who get rabies get it from other animals, like skunks, racoons and bats. The test is cheap, portable and can be used in the field. Quick test results greatly improve treatment, for animals and people. And long quarantines for animals suspected of rabies may be a thing of the past.

The RAPID screen will surely result in fewer dogs put down needlessly. As a side benefit, its availability may make it easier for animal advocacy groups supporting the Rabies Challenge Fund to pursuade regulatory agencies to lesson the frequency of mandatory rabies vaccination.

The test is available and beginning to be put to use.