Rabies outbreak in the state: 103 cases so far this year
July 21, 2014
Fast Facts:
- 103 rabies reported cases as of the end of June; normally 54 cases in a year
- Cases are found mostly in skunks and bats
- Pulaski and Lonoke counties have the highest number of cases
- Prevention can be done through vaccinating pets and avoiding nocturnal animals that are out during the day
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LITTLE ROCK -- More than 100 cases of rabies were reported in Arkansas as of June 24, a number almost double the normal level that state health and animal science experts attributed to a greater awareness of rabies symptoms in infected animals.
“It has been increasing,” said Tom Troxel, associate head of animal science for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. Last year, there was a total of 152 cases; in 2012, there were 131 cases; and 60 cases in 2011. The reason of the outbreak is unknown, he said.
“It is already double” the usual number of cases, Arkansas Public Health Veterinarian, Susan Weinstein, said. “Skunks and bats are the reservoir” for the rabies virus.
Of the 103 cases, 86 are confirmed in skunks, Troxel said. Pulaski and Lonoke counties have the most cases - 26 for Pulaski and 13 for Lonoke. Widespread publicity about rabies cases in the two counties may be the reason of the high number of reported cases. People are more aware and submit more suspicious animals, Weinstein said.
“The peak time for rabies cases is March and April, with a smaller rise again in late summer and early fall,” she said.
Even though Weinstein doesn't expect to see another 100 cases during the rest of this year, this number is still very high.
If the number continues, surely it will be a record breaking, Troxel said.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. It is considered one of the most infectious diseases and is fatal for both animals and people, Weinstein said.
To prevent rabies
Make sure pets are vaccinated by licensed veterinarian and don’t rely on over-the-counter rabies medication, Troxel added. There has been one case of rabid dog and two cases of rabid cats this year.
Stay away from wildlife, especially those whose behavior is different from normal. Skunks and bats are nocturnal animals, so if they are out during the day, it may be a sign that they are rabid, he said. Be sure pets and children also stay away from bats and skunks during the day.
Possible exposure to rabid animals needs to be taken seriously, Weinstein said. People tend to ignore reporting bat bites, thinking it’s not dangerous, she added. There are series of injections that can be done to prevent rabies. Once the symptoms appear, the disease can’t be treated, she said.
If you see a suspicious skunk, bat, or other wildlife, report to an animal control officer.
To view the Rabies 2014 map and learn more about rabies, visit the Arkansas Department of Health’s website www.healthy.arkansas.gov.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
By Kezia Nanda
For the Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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