Which two phases of rabies can be classified based on symptoms?

The correct classification of the phases of rabies based on symptoms is the "furious and dumb" distinction. This classification pertains to the behavioral signs exhibited in infected animals as the disease progresses.

In the furious phase, animals may display aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, and excitability, which is characteristic of the advanced effects of the virus on the central nervous system. This phase can lead to the animal snapping at perceived threats and showing a heightened level of agitation.

Conversely, the dumb phase, also known as the paralytic or coma phase, is marked by lethargy and a significant decrease in responsiveness. Animals may exhibit signs of paralysis, particularly affecting the jaw and throat, making it difficult for them to swallow or eat. This asymptomatic demeanor contrasts sharply with the furious phase's aggression, illustrating the diverse progression of rabies within infected species.

Understanding these phases helps wildlife control operators identify rabies symptoms in animals, which is crucial for public health and safety. The other classifications—chronic and acute, primary and secondary, initial and terminal—do not accurately represent the distinct behaviors seen during the rabies progression and are therefore less relevant in this context.