What is the main consideration when evaluating an animal for potential rabies?

Evaluating an animal for potential rabies involves a comprehensive approach that includes multiple factors. The animal’s vaccination history is crucial because it indicates whether the animal has been immunized against rabies, which plays a significant role in assessing the risk of the disease. An unvaccinated animal exposed to a rabid wildlife could have a higher risk of infection.

The duration of exposure to suspected rabid wildlife is another vital consideration. Prolonged exposure increases the likelihood of transmission, especially if the animal had a direct encounter with a rabid animal. Therefore, determining how long an animal was in contact with a potentially rabid species directly influences risk assessment.

Behavioral changes in the animal, such as aggression or unusual behavior, can be indicative of rabies. Rabies affects the central nervous system, leading to changes in an animal's behavior which can help inform the evaluation and diagnostic process.

Considering all these factors together provides a thorough evaluation for the risk of rabies in an animal, supporting the determination of the most appropriate next steps for treatment or intervention. All these aspects are interconnected and essential for a complete assessment, which is why 'all of the above' is the best answer.