I don't know about rabies, but I know they can carry Brucilosis (sp). We have warnings posted about it at the WMA's. They are OK to eat, but we are warned to wear rubber gloves if we have open cuts on our hands. I don't doubt there's a chance of catching it, but I hunt with a lot of life time hog hunters & we never wear gloves - never heard of somebody we know getting sick. I'm not saying don't wear gloves - I'm just saying we've never seen anybody have issues if they don't.