Increased rabies activity in the wild animal population in the southern portion of Pinal County is prompting health officials to remind the public that rabies occurs naturally in certain wild mammals in Arizona but increased caution is advised. The Pinal County Public Health Services District, the Arizona Dept. of Health Services & Pima County Health Dept. are reminding people of the heightened risk of rabies exposure to people & pets in southern Arizona.
Statewide this year, 38 animals have tested positive for rabies. In Pinal County this year, there have been 8, 6 of which were found in the southern part of the county. Rabies is a naturally occurring disease in certain wild animal populations such as bats, foxes & skunks. Families & pets in more rural areas have a greater risk of contact with wild animals, & therefore greater risk of rabies exposure.
Health officials don’t want people to delay vaccinating their pets. However, for people who cannot get to a vet sooner, Pinal County Animal Care & Control will be providing a rabies vaccination & license clinic on April 26th, from 10 am to 1 pm at the Oracle Justice Court at 1470 Justice Drive in Oracle. The cost for rabies vaccination is $7. Please have your pets on a leash. Special arrangements will be available for cats & aggressive dogs. Please contact Pinal County Animal Care & Control for more information concerning rabies vaccination for pets or vaccination clinic times & locations toll free at (888) 431-1311.
For more information about rabies, call the Pinal County Public Health Services District at (520) 866-7347, the Arizona Department of Health Services at (602) 364-4562 or the Pima County Health Department at (520) 243-7770.
More facts about rabies:
* Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system, including the brain & spinal cord of mammals.
* It is caused by a virus present in the saliva of infected animals & is transmitted through a bite or contact with the saliva of an infected animal. The virus can be transmitted through an open wound as well as through the eyes, nose or mouth.
* Rabies is fatal to humans once symptoms appear. There has not been a documented case of human rabies in Arizona for decades.
* Known carriers or transmitters of rabies include bats, skunks, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, coyotes or javelina. Rodents such as rats, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs & squirrels are not likely to be infected. Reptiles such as snakes & lizards do not carry rabies.