True or False: All native mammals can transmit rabies.

True or False: All native mammals can transmit rabies.

• A. True.
• B. False.
• C. Not enough information.
• D. Only some mammals.

Answer: (A)

Rabies can be transmitted by any mammal that is infected, because the virus is shed in saliva and is typically spread through bites. The important point is that while some species are more likely to harbor and spread rabies in the wild, the virus does not restrict transmission to a single group; if a native mammal becomes infected, it has the potential to transmit rabies to another animal or to a person. So the statement is true in terms of potential: any native mammal could transmit rabies if it is infected. Of course, actual transmission depends on infection status and exposure, and not all mammals are reservoirs or equally likely to contract or maintain the virus.

Rabies can be transmitted by any mammal that is infected, because the virus is shed in saliva and is typically spread through bites. The important point is that while some species are more likely to harbor and spread rabies in the wild, the virus does not restrict transmission to a single group; if a native mammal becomes infected, it has the potential to transmit rabies to another animal or to a person. So the statement is true in terms of potential: any native mammal could transmit rabies if it is infected. Of course, actual transmission depends on infection status and exposure, and not all mammals are reservoirs or equally likely to contract or maintain the virus.