Pathology

There is no gross pathology evident in animals which have died of rabies. Microscopic lesions of the central nervous system are inflammatory and similar to those seen in other virus infections. Negri bodies (inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm of neurons of infected animals) are positive proof of rabies infection.

Diagnosis

Clinical diagnosis of rabies is determined by microscopically examining the brain for inclusion bodies. In Michigan, rabies testing is performed by the Michigan Department of Community Health in Lansing.

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