Pinal County Division of Public Health reviews rabies exposure risks

Recent news stories have reported that the greater Maricopa area of Pinal County was placed on a “rabies alert” last week. Following discussion with officials from the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Pinal County officials have confirmed that there is no rabies alert for any area of Pinal County.

Since January 1, 2007, statewide 49 animals have tested positive for rabies in 10 Arizona counties. In 2007 Pinal County has had one animal, a bat that was submitted for testing in May, test positive. This animal was discovered in the San Manuel area. Following an investigation by public health staff, no human contacts were identified.

The Pinal County Division of Public Health (PCDPH) has not issued any rabies related health advisories or alerts so far in 2007 since there has been no documented human exposure to known rabid animals nor has their been any widespread activity.

The identification of rabid animals statewide serves as a reminder of the potential for rabies in wild animals in Arizona. Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord of animals and humans. It is caused by a virus present in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted to humans through contact with the live virus. Rabies is fatal to humans once symptoms appear. There has not been a documented case of human rabies in Pinal County for decades.

While rabies can occur in animals anywhere in the county, in the last few years the southern and eastern portions of the county have had the most activity. In Arizona rabies most commonly occurs in bats, skunks and foxes, but any mammal can contract the disease.

Rabid animals may show unusual behavior or appear unstable. Rabid carnivores, such as skunks, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, dogs and cats, may become aggressive and may attempt to bite people, pets and livestock. Wild animals exhibiting unusual behavior should be reported to local animal control officials.

Examples of unusual behavior include: wild animals that show no fear of people and pets; nocturnal animals that are active in daylight; and bats found on the ground, in swimming pools or that have been caught by a pet.

PCDPH recommends the following precautions:

Keep people and pets away from wild animals. Do not pick up, touch or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, especially sick or wounded ones. If someone has been bitten or scratched, or has had contact with the animal, report it immediately to animal control or health officials.

Do not “rescue” seemingly abandoned young wild animals. Usually, the mother will return. If the mother is dead or has not returned in many hours, call the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Vaccinate all dogs and cats against rabies. Pets should be kept in a fenced yard.

Take precautions when camping, hunting or fishing. Avoid sleeping on the open ground without the protection of a closed tent or camper. Keep pets on a leash, and do not allow them to wander.

Do not disturb roosting bats. If you find a bat on the ground, don’t touch it. Report the bat and its location to your local animal control officer or health department. Place a box over the bat to contain it. Be careful not to damage the bat in any way since it must be intact for rabies testing.

For more information about rabies, call the Pinal County Division of Public Health at (520) 866-7055, or the Arizona Department of Health Services at (602) 364-4562.