Pinal County Division of Public Health Release:

Pinal Co. Division of Public Health Reminds Public Concerning Rabies Exposure Risks

Recent news stories have reported that the greater Maricopa area of Pinal Co. was placed on a “rabies alert” last week. Following discussion with officials from the Az Dept of Health Services & the Az Game & Fish Dept, Pinal Co. officials have confirmed that there's no rabies alert for any area of Pinal Co. Since Jan. 1st, 2007 state-wide 49 animals have tested positive for rabies in 10 Az counties. In 2007 Pinal Co. has had 1 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 Co. 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 Az. Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system, including the brain & spinal cord of animals & humans. It's caused by a virus present in the saliva of infected animals & 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 Co. for decades.

While rabies can occur in animals anywhere in the county, in the last few years the southern & eastern portions of the county have had the most activity. In Az, rabies most commonly occurs in bats, skunks & 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 & cats, may become aggressive & may attempt to bite people, pets & 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 & pets; nocturnal animals that are active in daylight; & bats found on the ground, in swimming pools or that have been caught by a pet.

PCDPH recommends the following precautions:

· Keep people & 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 Az Game & Fish Dept.
· Vaccinate all dogs & cats against rabies. Pets should be kept in a fenced yard.
· Take precautions when camping, hunting or fishing. Avoid sleeping on the open ground w/out the protection of a closed tent or camper. Keep pets on a leash & 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 & 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 info about rabies, call the Pinal Co. Division of Public Health at (520) 866-7055, or the Az Dept of Health Services at (602) 364-4562.