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Which of the following is a clinical sign of rabies?

  1. Seizures

  2. Change in behavior

  3. Rapid heartbeat

  4. Excessive barking

The correct answer is: Change in behavior

Change in behavior is a significant clinical sign of rabies in both animals and humans. As rabies progresses, an infected animal may show a range of behavioral changes, such as increased aggression, depression, or apprehensiveness. These shifts in behavior occur due to the rabies virus impacting the central nervous system, which can lead to disorientation and altered responses to stimuli. By recognizing behavioral changes, animal control officers and the public can identify potential rabies cases early, allowing for proper intervention strategies to be implemented to protect both animals and humans. The other options listed can be associated with various medical conditions or stress, but the distinct and progressive changes in behavior are particularly emblematic of rabies infection.