(Image source from: Zovon.com)

The Arizona Department of Health Services is apprising residents of Arizona to a statewide increase in animal rabies instances and urging the community to follow prevention guidelines in order to stay safe from the malady.

There have been 77 rabid animals reported as of May 2018, compared with 54 at that time earlier this year, with the bulk of animals identified in rural counties in the state.

In 2018, most rabid animals identified to date have been skunks and foxes, with 25 rabid skunks and 31 positive foxes reported from January through May. As the weather gets warmer the growth in rabid bats is expected.

"Rabies is a very serious disease that can be fatal, so it is important for people to take precautions such as keeping their pets on a leash and vaccinated against the disease," said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. "People can still walk, hike, or camp in areas where there are reported cases of rabies, but it is critical to making sure you and your pets are not interacting with wild animals. When at home, pets should be supervised or kept in a fenced yard."

Rabies is a virus outspread by the bite of or contact with the spittle of an infected animal. Rabies causes terrible impairment to the central nervous system and usually leads to death. Human exposures to rabid animals are normally infrequent, but domestic animals, such as cats and dogs often come into contact with wild animals and are at an accrued peril.

Bats, skunks, and foxes are the main animal sources of rabies in Arizona. The first mark of rabies is usually an alteration in the animal’s behavior.

To forestall rabies, and some other disease spread by animals, ADHS notify people not to touch or feed wild or strange animals, even if they do not seem ill or aggressive.

By Sowmya Sangam