Which viral infection is known for being spread by the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites?

The viral infection that is specifically known for being transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, particularly via bites, is rabies. Rabies is caused by the rabies virus, which is primarily spread through the bites of infected animals, such as bats, raccoons, and domestic dogs. Once the virus enters the body through a bite, it travels to the central nervous system, leading to severe inflammation, neurological symptoms, and, if not treated promptly, death.

In contrast, mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus and primarily transmitted through saliva, but human to human transmission via kissing or sharing drinks is typical rather than through bites. Septicemia is a severe infection characterized by the presence of bacteria in the blood, often resulting from other infections, and is not specifically linked to animal bites. The plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, is transmitted through flea bites or contact with infected animals, rather than being a viral infection spread through saliva. Thus, the characteristic transmission method of rabies clearly distinguishes it from the other conditions listed.