The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) is warning southwest New Mexico residents to be alert for rabid wild animals.
NMDOH announced that it has confirmed five cases of rabies in wild animals recovered in southwest New Mexico, a recent KOB 4 news report said. The five animals, which included a bobcat and a fox, were acting aggressively toward residents in residential neighborhoods.
Health officials said that people can be protected by getting themselves, family members, pets and livestock vaccinated against rabies.
"Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be prevented but not cured," State Public Health veterinarian Tim Hanosh told KOB 4. "The virus lives in the saliva of rabid animals and is spread to people or other animals through a bite. Any person or animal who comes in contact with saliva from a rabid animal can be at risk of getting rabies too and should seek medical treatment immediately."
Health officials warn residents to stay away from potentially rabid animals and report the animal to local health services to take care of it instead of taking care of the animal themselves. Pets and livestock are also susceptible to getting bitten by rabid animals, so animal owners should be wary of wild animals approaching their animals. Outdoor food and trash should be kept properly sealed to prevent attracting wild animals.
Any wildlife that seems odd can be reported to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish at (505) 476-8000. After business hours, they can be reported to the New Mexico State Police at (505) 841-9256.
Attacks by rabid animals can be reported to NMDOH at (505) 827-0006.
