Rabies cases were on the rise in Arizona this spring. While there have been only a handful of cases this summer, there are few things people can do to keep themselves and their pets safe.
You’ve likely heard or seen more wildlife poking around Valley neighborhoods. Coyotes, raccoons and even bats are part of our lives. Laura Hackett is a wildlife biologist at Liberty Wildlife, an animal rehabilitation center.
"So, that's something that we actually are trying to educate people about because rabies is kind of on the rise right now. Especially we've seen a lot with bats," Hackett said.
And if you have a dog, a rabid bat on the ground could be mistaken for a plaything.
Kim Powell with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control said dogs are required to have a rabies vaccination.
"If they're not current on their rabies, then euthanasia will be encouraged because the other option is their quarantine and a kennel. It's super strict. No interaction with anyone for four months," Powell said.
So definitely leave any wildlife alone, Powell said.
"Whether it's injured or whether it seems like it's friendly or anything. Just leave wildlife, let it be, because the truth is we don't know if an animal has rabies until it is euthanized and then tested," Powell added.
Powell said if there’s a possibility of a pet being exposed to rabies, call public health officials and your vet to determine next steps.
