Rabies Found in Kanab, Utah!

By Kanab Veterinary Hospital | August 22, 2024 |

In June 2024, a bat discovered by a dog in Kanab, Utah, was confirmed to be infected with rabies.

Rabies, a frequently represented topic in pop culture such as The Office’s Fun Run, and a staple in health training activities, is a familiar concept to most. It commonly evokes imagery of frothing dogs, bats in flight, water-dousing scenarios, and even cinematic zombies. Despite these references, a fundamental understanding of rabies and its implications for our community in Kanab, Utah, is essential.

Rabies is a deadly virus that can affect any animal, including humans, leading to death once clinical signs develop. It is typically spread through the saliva of infected animals. The primary reservoir for rabies is bats. Rabid bats have been found in every state in the United States, except for Hawaii. In the past 5 years, Arizona Grey Foxes and South-Central Skunks have been identified as reservoirs for rabies in our county or a neighboring county. The most recent outbreak of rabies in Arizona Grey Foxes occurred in 2023, while Flagstaff experienced a skunk outbreak in 2021.

It’s important to note that sharing this information is intended to raise awareness in our region, not to instill fear of these important animals that are vital parts of our ecosystems. Bats, for example, play a critical role in bug control and flower pollination. We also want to urge people to be cautious around any mammal displaying unusual behavior and of unknown rabies vaccination status. This applies to livestock, horses, donkeys, and mules, as these animals often pose a risk of rabies exposure to humans when infected. During the early stages of clinical disease, these animals may appear lethargic and exhibit difficulty walking. Although they may seem like sick animals in need of help, it is crucial for humans to avoid contact with them.

If you or your pet encounter a wild animal that you suspect may have rabies, here’s what you should do:

If both you and your pet have been vaccinated against rabies, the risk of contracting the disease is very low. However, you are encouraged to consult with your veterinarian and doctor to determine the necessary next steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
If you know the whereabouts of the potentially rabid animal, contact your local health department and/or veterinarian for assistance in safely handling, transporting, and testing the animal for rabies.
If you or your animals have not been previously vaccinated against rabies, seek IMMEDIATE medical or veterinary care. For humans, there’s a post-exposure prophylaxis protocol to prevent the disease from progressing. This series of injections stops the virus from reaching the central nervous system, where clinical signs begin to occur. If the disease progresses to the point of clinical signs, it is fatal!
Handling unvaccinated animals involves factors that your veterinarian can help you navigate with potential involvement of the health department.

What should be done, right now, today, by you to protect yourself, your family, and your animals against rabies?

The first and easiest step is to get rabies vaccines for all of your pets, including your horses. This simple measure is highly effective at protecting against rabies.
The second step is to work on educating everyone in your family about rabies, in particular children, so they understand why they shouldn’t interact with docile or slow wildlife that they come across, especially bats, skunks, and foxes.
Finally, for those who are at high risk for rabies, i.e. individuals who work with domestic animals or wildlife, work with your insurance company to see what can be done to get vaccinated before you are exposed instead of seeking post-exposure prophylaxis.

In short, rabies is a fatal disease that we all need to be aware of. Although it exists in our beautiful hometown, we don’t have to live in fear of it. We just need to:

Be educated on the disease so we can recognize possible risks of exposure to rabies.
Vaccinate animals and at-risk humans against the disease.
Respond quickly with professional help when our family members (be they human or furry) or livestock have been exposed to the disease.

To find out more about rabies, check out these recommended resources:

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951479