Even though domestic animal rabies cases are very rare, rabies is still a problem among wild animals. On April 16, two people were bitten by a rabid fox in Sedona’s Boynton Canyon, resulting in hospital treatment.

Other cases include a March incident in which a boy was bitten by a rabid mountain lion in the Tonto National Forest, and the attack of two persons by a rabid bobcat in a Pinal County campground.

This year there have been 40 cases of animal rabies in Arizona to date. Known exposures in Arizona for 2008, so far, include 18 humans and 46 domestic animals. Fortunately, post-exposure treatment of humans is 100 percent effective when handled in a timely manner.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Section would like to remind residents that domestic pets are also subject to attack or contact with rabid animals. Any dog, cat or livestock that is bitten or otherwise exposed to a suspect rabid animal, must undergo an extended quarantine.

For dogs or cats that are not currently vaccinated for rabies with such an exposure, state regulations require either euthanasia or a 6-month quarantine at an animal control or veterinary facility, at the expense of the owner.

For dogs or cats that are currently vaccinated with such an exposure, an immediate rabies booster vaccination and 45-day home quarantine are required.

The YCSO Animal Control Section urges pet owners to make sure pets are currently vaccinated and licensed. .

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