Warning Issued to Pet Owners as Rabies Spreads to Another State
Summary
Health officials in several U.S. states are warning pet owners to vaccinate their animals against rabies after new cases appeared, including a dog in Louisiana that tested positive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a rise in human exposure to rabid animals this year, with more cases detected in wild animals like bats, raccoons, and foxes.Key Facts
- A pet dog in Louisiana tested positive for rabies and was euthanized; other dogs in the house are being tested.
- Texas reported its first rabies case in a pet dog in over ten years.
- Rabies-related inquiries to the CDC increased by 17% during July and August compared to the previous year.
- Idaho has seen more rabid bats this year than in the past three years, and Texas reported 22 rabid wild animals in Bexar County.
- Animals most likely to carry rabies in the U.S. include bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and skunks.
- Rabies spreads through bites, scratches, or saliva entering open wounds, eyes, or mouth.
- Rabies can be fatal once symptoms appear, so medical care should be sought immediately after exposure.
- States with recent rabies activity include Virginia, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, California, Idaho, Texas, Alabama, Florida, Maryland, and Michigan.
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