Hey just wanted to say thanks to everyone that provided information and support with my pup and his encounter with a dead raccoon. It's been 5 days and no symptoms, so my vet says everything should be fine.
But I was thinking, even if my dog didn't catch the virus, would it still be possible for humans to contract it? Scenario: Dog makes contact with dead raccoon, then immediately licks a human being. Would that be possible? Since he has the rabies vaccine, he's immune whereas the humans aren't.
Was reading a ton about rabies but couldn't find the answer. would like to know as much as possible for future reference. Thanks again! =)
Here's how you can contract Rabies
Somehow the bodily fluid of an infected animal must come into contact of another animal's bodily fluid. The most common way of infection is through a bite, however if the saliva of an infected animal gets into a wound or an opening in your body then you can get rabies. The same holds true for skunk sprays. If the spray of an infected or carrier skunk gets into an animal's mouth or nostrils, then there's a chance of infection.
So, unless your dog is infected, then you shouldn't worry. Even if against the odds he does come down with rabies, you would still have some time to get the shots for yourself. I know of several people that have had dogs or cattle test positive and die of rabies, and they were able to get the shots and recover with no ill effects--and one of the people I'm referring to was a farmer that stuck his hand into a rabid cow's mouth while he had a cut on his hand. It was a stupid decision on his part, but he never contracted the illness.
I'm no expert but
I would think the bully would actually have to bite you for any humans to contract anything. I imagine things are also fine for the humans five days later.