Officials warn residents after rabies cases in Arizona’s wildlife

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Officials are warning Arizona residents to keep themselves and their pets safe after several cases of rabies in wild animals across the state.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department advises residents to keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially if they behave abnormally or act aggressively or fearfully toward humans.

A report from the Arizona Department of Health Services showed that foxes and skunks were the most common species to test positive for rabies from January to March of this year.

This comes a few weeks after Cochise County warned residents of two gray foxes that were found with rabies near the Ramsey Canyon area and a coatimundi attacked a hiker in southern Arizona. In Graham County, officials say they are seeing an “increased number” of cases over the past few months.

“In Arizona, the principal rabies hosts are bats, skunks and foxes,” said Dr. Anne Justice-Allen, AZGFD wildlife veterinarian. “These animals carry their own distinct strains of the rabies virus. When rabies activity within these animal groups increases, rabies can impact other mammals, such as bobcats, coyotes, javelina, cats, dogs, horses, or cows.”

AZGFD says dogs, cats and horses should be regularly vaccinated against rabies, and dogs should be kept on leashes when outdoors. They say an unvaccinated animal exposed to rabies must be quarantined for four months and vaccinated animals for 45 days.

To report a suspicious animal or animal bite, contact AZGFD at 623-236-7201.

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