On Wednesday, the New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish announced a second case of rabies was confirmed.
The first reports of a rabid fox were announced on January 28 in San Miguel County. Laboratory tests confirmed a second rabid fox in the county March 1. Officials with the NMDOH and DGF are concerned that the fox was found in the same general location as the initial diseased fox and local authorities are looking for any other potentially rabid animals.
NMDOH encourages pet and livestock owners to vaccinate their animals against rabies. Additionally, residents are asked to be aware of any wild animals behaving abnormally. Avoid contact with foxes and other wild animals.
Rabies can be prevented but cannot be cured as it is a deadly viral disease. Those who come in contact with wild animals are asked to contact the NMDOH and DGF immediately.
- call the Department of Game and Fish at (505)827-9376 for assistance with oddly behaving animals especially foxes, skunks, coyotes, raccoons and bats
- call the Department of Health at (505)827-0006 if you or your pets are bitten or are exposed to the saliva of wild animals
Click here to view additional information on rabies.