What You Need to Know: Deadly Virus on the Rise in this Arizona City

This week, the City of Sierra Vista in southeastern Arizona issued a press release alerting residents about the rising threat of a dangerous virus spreading throughout Cochise County.

According to the press release:

"Positive rabies cases have been rising in Sierra Vista and Cochise County. The Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center staff urges residents to ensure their pets are up to date on the rabies vaccine."

The Rising Cases of Rabies in Cochise County

The city is advising residents to check their pets' vaccination records. With rabies cases on the rise, officials at the Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center in Sierra Vista are asking residents to ensure that their pets are up to date on the rabies vaccine.

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Since mid-July, Sierra Vista has had three confirmed rabies cases or rabies, and Cochise County has had an additional four. There have been seven confirmed cases over the past two months.

READ: How to Plan for Your Pets if You Die Before They Do in Arizona

For perspective, the county typically only sees one positive rabies case every six months. Recently, a Hereford resident was bitten by a rabid skunk.

“It’s critical that all pet owners make sure their animals have current rabies vaccines,” Animal Control Officer Brittany Schultz says. “Having immunity not only protects pets but helps to safeguard our residents from the possibly deadly effects of rabies.”

How to Spot Rabies in Animals

Rabies is a virus that can present in several ways. Here are some behaviors that could indicate an animal is rabid.

Animals may undergo several behavioral changes. They may become unusually aggressive; sometimes, wild animals become uncharacteristically affectionate.

Infected animals might lose their fear of people, become excited or irritable, or act in a way different from normal behaviors. For example, wild animals that are normally only active at night may appear during the day.

READ: Watch for Rabid Foxes in This Arizona National Park

Other Symptoms that Could Indicate Rabies

Animals may have trouble swallowing and display excessive salivation. Hypersensitivity to light and sound, plus enlarged pupils, are also markers of infection by the rabies virus.

Additionally, animals may also suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, and a slight fever. Trouble walking that causes staggering, convulsions, choking, frothing at the mouth, paralysis, seizures, itching at the bite site, self-mutilation, or difficulty breathing could all be signs of infection.

If you suspect any wild or domestic animal could be infected with rabies, contact the Arizona State Veterinarian's Office at (602) 542-4293 or call the Sierra Vista dispatch office at (520) 803-3555.

Sources: City of Sierra Vista | Nancy J Brua Animal Care Center | Arizona Department of Health Services | Credit: Press Release from the City of Sierra Vista