The Arizona Game and Fish Department is reminding pet owners to stay current on vaccinations after a spike in wildlife rabies cases statewide.
Why it matters:
- Rabies is a fatal disease that is transmitted from animals to humans.
- It is preventable in vaccinated animals and treatable in humans if addressed before the virus reaches the central nervous system.
State of play:
- Wildlife rabies cases are up for this time of year, the Game and Fish Department warned this week.
- The Arizona Department of Health Services recorded 50 cases from January through March. Last year, there were 11 cases in that timeframe.
By the numbers:
As of April 7, rabies had been confirmed in:
25 skunks; 19 foxes; 3 coyotes; 2 bats; 1 bobcat; 1 horse
Between the lines:
Skunks, foxes and bats are the most common rabies hosts in Arizona, Game and Fish Department wildlife veterinarian Anne Justice-Allen said in a statement.
Yes, but: When rabies activity is high in these species, it becomes more likely the disease will spread to other mammals, including dogs, cats, horses and cows, she said.
Zoom out: Dog bites and scratches cause 99% of human rabies cases, per the World Health Organization.
The fine print: State law requires all dogs three months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Health officials encourage cat vaccinations as well.
Dog owners must provide vaccine proof to Maricopa County when licensing their pet, which is also required by state law.
This article by Jessica Boehm was first published by Axios Phoenix on 16 April 2025. Lead Image: Arizona has confirmed 19 rabies cases in foxes so far this year. Photo: Auscape/Universal Images Group via Getty Images.
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