Rabies discoveries are becoming more common among Arizona’s wildlife

PHOENIX — Reports of rabid wildlife in Arizona have been more frequent in 2018 than years past with 34 reported cases of Rabies in multiple types of animals.

The figures since the beginning of the calendar year follow a record setting 2017 when 24 confirmed cases of rabid foxes quadrupled figures from 2016, when the state reported just six.

So far in 2018, foxes have accounted for 14 of the 34 total cases of rabid animals. Jessica Rigler of the Department of Health told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetner that foxes are not the only problem.

“It’s about a 50/50 split between rabid skunks and rabid foxes that have been identified this year,” said Rigler.

Last year 33 cases of rabid skunks were reported in the state along with 34 cases of rabid foxes.

In total last year, the state reported 155 total animals reported to have rabies. That total includes 80 reported cases of rabid bats.

So far this year there has been only one reported case of a bat with rabies, but in 2017 there was 60 reported cases of rabid bats between the months of June and Sept.

Cochise County has had the most trouble with rabies accounting for nine total cases including four foxes and three skunks. Santa Cruz County has had eight reported cases of rabid skunks while Pinal County had four cases of rabid foxes since the beginning of 2018.

The Arizona Department of Health Services keeps an updated chart on the cases of rabies throughout the state.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetner contributed to this report.

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