Health officials in several states have issued rabies warnings after detections of infected animals including bats, raccoons, foxes, goats, and a pet dog. These developments raise concerns about potential exposure to people and pets.
Significant increases occurred in Idaho and Texas. Idaho reported 24 rabid bats this year, surpassing the counts of the past three years. A notable rise in calls concerning bat exposures was also recorded. In San Antonio and Bexar County, 22 rabies cases in wild animals were reported in June and July, compared to two or three in previous years. This area noted a pet dog case, the first in over ten years.
Other regions issued targeted alerts. North Carolina investigated potential exposures linked to baby goats at a mobile petting zoo. Florida’s Brevard County was under a 60-day alert after a raccoon tested positive. Rabies cases were also confirmed in Alabama, California, Maryland, and Michigan.
Rabies spreads through bites or scratches from infected mammals or contact with saliva on broken skin, eyes, or mouth. The disease is rare in humans in the U.S. but fatal if untreated before symptoms start.
Idaho Reports Rise in Rabid Bats and Possible Exposures
On July 14, a rabid bat was confirmed in Blaine County, south-central Idaho, as the first case reported by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Officials are unsure why bat encounters rose. Factors may include population growth bringing more people into contact with bats and wildlife smoke altering bat movements.
Bats in Idaho naturally host the virus, potentially transmitting it to other mammals. Approximately 1 in 100 wild bats carry rabies. Appearance or behavior does not reliably identify infection.
Residents should avoid touching bats. Contact local public health authorities if a bat lands on them, they have direct contact, or wake to find a bat in the room. “A bat resting on a wall or other surface during the day does not necessarily need assistance,” health officials stated.
If a bat colony is inside a building, residents should contact Fish and Game for assistance rather than removing or harming the bats themselves.
Texas Dog Tests Positive After Encounter With Skunk
In San Antonio, a rabies warning followed a pet dog’s encounter with a skunk in late July. The male Husky mix killed a baby skunk inside Loop 1604, on the family’s Far West Side property, but the incident was unreported initially.
The dog later exhibited behavioral changes and neurological issues. On August 18, Metro Health Laboratory confirmed rabies in the dog. Exposed people and pets received preventive treatment. San Antonio Animal Care Services and Metro Health issued a public advisory urging prompt reporting of pet-wildlife contact. Officials encouraged keeping pets vaccinated and preventing them from roaming freely.
Rabid Fox Prompts Warning in Alabama County
A rabid fox was discovered in Autauga County near Billingsley junction on private land, testing positive by August 18. The Alabama Department of Public Health announced this after the fox was found struggling with movement.
The property owner, who observed the fox’s abnormal behavior, contacted the health department. No human exposure was reported, but two vaccinated dogs may have interacted with the fox. Animals on the property received booster rabies shots.
Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health Veterinarian, credited the owner’s observation with aiding community rabies surveillance. A rabid raccoon was confirmed earlier on August 5 in Montgomery’s Dalraida neighborhood, pointing to increased rabies activity in Alabama.
Alabama law mandates rabies vaccinations for dogs, cats, and ferrets aged 12 weeks and older. Officials urged residents to keep pets on leashes, avoid leaving food outside, and steer clear of strange-acting animals.
Rabid Goats at Mobile Petting Zoo Prompt Exposure Investigation
North Carolina authorities tracked potential rabies exposures related to baby goats from Farm Adventures, a mobile petting zoo in Iredell County. On August 27, state officials were informed of four exposed goats. By the next day, three tested positive, while one was untested but presumed infected given skunk contact in late July.
The goats may have been contagious between July 28 and August 27, during which they appeared in seven counties at public and private events, increasing exposure risk. The zoo’s animals were later assessed, determining no other animal posed a threat.
Officials advised contacting local health departments if in contact with these goats during the exposure window. Transmission from livestock is less likely than from wildlife bites, but infected saliva remains a risk through broken skin and mucous membranes.
Rabid Raccoon Triggers 60-Day Alert in Florida County
On September 3, the Florida Department of Health alerted Brevard County after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. Captured near Andrews Avenue in Melbourne, the case led to a 60-day alert.
The alert covers an area bordered by West Eau Gallie Boulevard, Sarno Road, Croton Road, and North Wickham Road. The department monitors rabies in the wildlife population and cautions residents and visitors about the virus’ presence in local wildlife.
Residents should avoid contact with wild or stray animals, refrain from leaving outdoor food or unsecured waste, and keep pets vaccinated under supervision. Victims of animal bites or scratches should seek medical attention and report the incident to the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County.
Multiple Rabies Alerts Issued Across Maryland Counties
On September 1, Anne Arundel County issued an alert after a rabid raccoon and bat were confirmed. The raccoon was found near West Pasadena Road and Drexel Drive, while the bat was located on State Circle in Annapolis.
Previous alerts include an August 11 warning following a rabid bat discovery in Pasadena. Residents, especially those responsible for young children, were urged to assess any contact with these animals.
In Harford County, confirmation came on August 11 for a rabid raccoon in Havre de Grace and a fox in Forest Hill. These animals might have interacted with nearby residents or pets.
Rabid Bat Confirmed in Michigan County
The Saginaw County Health Department in Michigan confirmed a bat tested positive for rabies, announced on August 28. This case is among 48 in Michigan involving 47 bats and a skunk.
If a bat enters a residence, officials advised not panicking, chasing the bat out, or approaching it. Instead, secure pets, leave the room, close off access to the rest of the house, turn off lights, and open external doors or windows for the bat’s exit.
Rabid Bat Found Near California Village
On September 2, Yosemite National Park issued a warning after a dead rabid big brown bat was found outside the Curry Village Showerhouse. Though discovered on May 18, there were no immediate reports of contact.
The public was urged to report encounters with bats around May 18 in the Curry Village area to the California Department of Public Health or a healthcare provider. Yosemite receives periodic confirmations of rabid bats. Infected bats from various species have been found before in the park.