Each year rabies causes approximately 30,000 human deaths worldwide and approximately 7,000 animal deaths (mostly wildlife) in the U.S. This year, ten bats, eight skunks, and two horses in Michigan have been diagnosed with rabies.

The disease occurs in various strains specific to a type of wild mammal commonly occurring in a given area. In Michigan, reservoir animals are bats and skunks. The rabies virus can infect any mammal, however, including humans.

Once the virus begins to cause the clinical signs we recognize as rabies, it is considered to be 100% fatal. Post exposure treatment is available for humans exposed to the virus; and if administered early enough, it can save their lives. This is the reason the state tests or quarantines animals that bite or may have exposed humans or other mammals. Such testing accounts for the 30 to 50 rabies positive lab tests in Michigan each year.

Skunks are a rabies reservoir species that can easily interact with pets and livestock, and in fact, the two horses developed rabies after interaction with skunks. The thumb area of Michigan has historically been well populated with skunks. The considerable increase in rabies positive skunks over recent years is most likely just an indication of an increase in the skunk population.

Residents should take the following precautions to protect themselves, their family members, and their animals from rabies:

• Never handle unfamiliar wild or domestic animals, even if they appear friendly.

• Wash any wound caused by an animal thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention.

• Test all wild or stray animals (excluding rodents) that may have exposed humans or other animals for rabies.

• Prevent bats from entering homes or other buildings where they might come in contact with humans or animals.

• Don’t leave pet food or table scraps outside where they will attract wild or stray animals.

• Keep vaccinations current for all dogs, cats, and ferrets. Additionally, keep your cats and ferrets inside, and your dogs under direct supervision.

• Consult your veterinarian about vaccinations for horses and other livestock.

• Call animal control to remove stray animals from your neighborhood, and call nuisance animal control to deal with wildlife.

1999 Cases (as of June 8, 1999)

How big the risk can be . . .

A rabid cat was identified in July 1998 at the Cherry Hill Park Campgrounds in College Park, Maryland. This cat was known to have bitten or scratched at least six people, and had kittens, approximately two months old, that may have exposed others. At least 450 families, including 14 Michigan families, visited the campground while the cat and her kittens were there. By the end of the investigation, 12 people wereconsidered to be exposed and were treated with Post Exposure Prophylaxis.