What is a common clinical sign of rabies in both domestic and wild animals?

The common clinical sign of rabies in both domestic and wild animals is a change in behavior. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to neurological dysfunction. As the disease progresses, infected animals may exhibit alterations in their typical behavior patterns. This can manifest as increased aggression, fearlessness, or a social withdrawal in animals that are usually friendly.

Behavioral changes can occur in various ways, including a sudden shift from calmness to agitation or vice versa, and a loss of fear of humans, which is particularly notable in wild animals. These changes are significant indicators of rabies and serve as a critical warning for animal control officers to assess the situation carefully for potential exposure risks, including bite incidents.

Other options, such as excessive barking, increased appetite, or hyperactivity, may not consistently indicate rabies and can vary greatly depending on the individual animal or other health conditions. Therefore, recognizing significant behavioral changes is crucial for identifying potential rabies cases.