Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of warm-blooded animals. It is caused by a bullet-shaped RNA virus belonging to the genus Lyssavirus. The virus is readily inactivated by disinfectants and heat. Rabies has an incubation period that can range from a week to over a year depending on the virus variant and location of the bite. Clinical signs in dogs typically include behavioral changes, aggression, paralysis, and death. Diagnosis involves immunofluorescence or PCR testing of brain tissue. Post-exposure prophylaxis for humans consists of rabies immune globulin and vaccination.