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Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be transmitted between people and other animals.
Rabies is an invariably fatal infectious viral infection that can affects the nervous system of mammals. Signs may begin with changes in behavior and progress to weakness, paralysis, and death. Rabies can be transmitted through bite wounds or contact with rabid animals. The rabies virus persists in animal reservoirs - both domestic and wild.
Veterinarians and animal owners have made great strides preventing rabies exposure through routine vaccination of cats, dogs, ferrets, and livestock. However, the risk of rabies persists. The 2010 report from the CDC has revealing numbers!
In 2010, 6,154 rabid animals were confirmed in the US and two people developed rabies. Although 92% of the reported cases were in wildlife, the 8% of rabid domestic animals showed a 1% increase in the number of rabid cats over 2009. During 2010, 303 rabid cats, 71 rabid cattle, and 69 rabid dogs were confirmed.
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Most bats don’t have rabies. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 6 percent of bats had rabies when they were submitted for rabies testing because they were captured, obviously weak or sick, or had been captured by a cat. However, any bat might be rabid if it is active by day or is found in a place where bats are not usually seen, like in your home or on the ground. A bat that is unable to fly and is easily approached could be sick.
Since pet dogs and cats that roam and hunt can come into contact with rabid animals and potentially transmit it to people, it is very important to make sure all dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. This will also help protect children and other family members from rabies if their dog or cat tangles with a rabid animal. Even if pets only go outside occasionally they can be attacked by a rabid animal. Animals that are not vaccinated and are bitten by a rabid animal can be dangerous and expose people to rabies before they die.
It is easy to prevent rabies by taking the following precautions:
If you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal or a pet, the Department of Health recommends the following guidelines:
For more information about rabies in New Mexico, visit Department of Health’s website.
New Mexico Rabies Facts
As of July, 2016, there were a total of 2 confirmed rabid animals in 1 county including:
2 skunks
2015- there were a total of 13 confirmed rabid animals in 8 NM counties including:
11 bats, 1 fox, 1 ringtail
2014- there were a total of 12 confirmed rabid animals in 4 counties including:
1 fox, 4 skunks, 7 bats
2013- there were a total of 11 confirmed rabid animals in 5 NM counties including:
3 skunks, 6 bats, 1 dog, and 1 fox
Colorado Rabies Facts - 2013
2013 - Colorado had a total of 191 confirmed rabid animals in 20 Colorado counties including:
102 skunks, 70 bats, 7 foxes, 3 racoons, 4 horses, 4 cats, and 1 cow
Texas Rabies Facts- 2012
2012 Texas had 683 confirmed rabid animals including:
272 skunks, 13 foxes, 331 bats, 2 coyotes, 19 racoons, 16 dogs, 14 cats, 9 cattle, 4 horses, 1 deer, and 1 goat.
United States Rabies Facts- 2010
Over 106,000 animals were tested and 6,154 cases of rabies were found in animals. Two cases ocurred in people. (Hawaii is the only state that is rabies free).
Important Links
2016 Recent Increase in Animal Plague and Tularemia
Keep Rabies certificates current - contact Dr. Hamlen if your animal needs a rabies vaccination.
Copyright 2009 Backroads Veterinary Care, LLC. All rights reserved.
Santa Fe, NM 87508
ph: 505.629.7701
hh