Characteristics of Rabies:

As a member of the Lyssavirus genus, in the family Rhabdoviridae

-Rabies is a bullet shaped, RNA virus that is about 75 nm in
diameter by 180 nm in length.
-The virus is a negative strand RNA virus, which means it must
carry RNA polymerase to transcribe a positive strand RNA, which
can code for its five proteins.
-The viral envelopes surface is covered in glycoprotein spikes that
may aid in adherence to cell surface proteins.
-The virus can only encode five proteins.
-The virus is found in the salivary glands and CNS of infected,
warm-blooded animals (including humans)
-Wild animals primarily carry the virus and it is usually
transmitted by a bite.
-Coming into contact with body fluids and tissues from infected
animals is another possible source of transmission of the infection
-Bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks are the most likely
animals to transmit rabies.