Rabies
Animal Species and rabies
All mammals can be infected by rabies. Terrestrial animals such as raccoons, skunks, and foxes, are the most common carriers and transmitters, although the virus can also been found in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and other animals. Bats are another major concern when it comes to the transmission and spreading of rabies. In recent years the number of recognized deaths due to the strain of rabies that the bat carries has increased. Many of these cases had no known bat contact. The CDC recommends that if a bat is found in the room in which a person is sleeping or otherwise unconscious in, then the bat should be tested for rabies.
Since the 1950’s there has been a shift in the appearance of rabies cases from more domesticated animals contracting the disease, to more wildlife species contracting the disease in the recent years. Refer to table below for actual numbers in NC.
Dogs and Cats |
Wildlife Species |
|
1950's |
606 |
82 |
1990's |
153 |
2918 |
2000's |
125 |
2788 |