Which of the following statements is true regarding rabies reservoirs?

Wild mammals are considered the most important reservoirs for rabies due to their essential role in the transmission cycle of the virus. This group primarily includes species such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, which can carry the virus without showing symptoms and can effectively transmit it to other animals or humans through bites or scratches.

Their ecological behaviors, such as wide-ranging territories and interaction with various environments, facilitate the spread of rabies in natural settings. While domestic pets may contribute to the transmission of the virus—especially if they are not vaccinated—wild mammals remain the key players in the rabies epidemiology. This is especially significant in areas where wildlife interactions are common, as they can lead to outbreaks that affect both animal and human populations.

In contrast, feral cats do not encompass the broader impact and importance of wild mammals as reservoirs, and though domestic pets can be involved in rabies transmission, they do not serve as primary reservoirs. Humans, while susceptible to rabies if infected, cannot act as reservoirs due to their limited role in the transmission cycle of the virus. Thus, recognizing wild mammals as the primary reservoirs emphasizes the importance of wildlife in rabies prevention and control strategies.