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 Department of Health Services and Pima County Health Department are reminding people of the heightened risk of rabies exposure to people and pets in southern Arizona.

"If your family pet isn't current on its rabies vaccine, we urge you to get your pet vaccinated immediately," said Tom Schryer, Pinal County Public Health Director. "Make an appointment with a vet immediately to protect your pets and family."

Statewide this year, 38 animals have tested positive for rabies. In Pinal County this year, there have been eight, six 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 and skunks. Families and pets in more rural areas have a greater risk of contact with wild animals, and therefore greater risk of rabies exposure.

"Rabies in wild animal populations occurs in cycles," said Dr. Elizabeth Lawaczeck, Public Health Veterinarian at the Arizona Department of Health Services. "Every few years, we see outbreaks of rabies in skunks and foxes in certain rural parts of Arizona, followed by more quiet periods. Even between outbreaks of rabies in these wild animals, residents in rural areas should take steps to reduce their risk of exposure to rabies."

The best way to reduce the chances of being exposed to rabies is by vaccinating pets and enjoying wild animals from a distance. Rabies vaccinations are available at veterinary offices, some pet supply stores and through animal care and control agencies. One simple shot can protect a pet from getting the disease.

"If the family pet comes in contact with a rabid animal, that pet is at risk of getting rabies," Schryer said. "Failure to vaccinate pets results in many pets having to be quarantined for six months – at the owner's expense – or being put to sleep after contact with a wild animal that could carry rabies. Those animals include bats, skunks, foxes, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes or javelinas."

If unvaccinated pets could become sick with rabies after exposure to a suspected rabid animal, animal care and control agencies have no choice but to remove that pet from the home.

"Decreasing attractants for wildlife around the home is also important," said Dr. Lawaczeck. "Do not feed wildlife. Store animal feeds and garbage in tightly sealed containers. For hunters, wearing gloves while dressing game is also an important step to prevent exposure to rabies or other disease in wild animals."

If a person is bitten by a wild animal or has contact with the bodily fluids of a potentially rabid animal, public health officials should be contacted. They can determine whether someone should receive rabies shots as a preventive measure.

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 and Control will be providing a rabies vaccination and license clinic on April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Oracle Justice Court at 1470 Justice Drive in Oracle. The cost for rabies vaccination is $7.00. Please have your pets on a leash. Special arrangements will be available for cats and aggressive dogs. Please contact Pinal County Animal Care and Control for more information concerning rabies vaccination for pets or vaccination clinic times and locations at (520) 509-3555 or 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 www.azdhs.gov, or the Pima County Health Department at (520) 243-7770 or www.pimahealth.org.

More facts about rabies:

• Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord of mammals.
• It is caused by a virus present in the saliva of infected animals and 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 and squirrels are not likely to be infected. Reptiles such as snakes and lizards do not carry rabies