Rabies is a viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Animals most commonly infected are bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes and coyotes and to a much lesser extent cats, dogs, and cattle. Bats are one of the main reservoirs of rabies in New Mexico.

The rabies virus causes a disease of the brain called encephalopathy (a disease of the
brain altering brain function or structure) and eventually death. Symptoms in humans 
include fever, headache, and general malaise. Once symptoms appear, it is too late for
treatment; however a post exposure vaccine is extremely effective.

View the New Mexico Department of Health's Rabies Fact Sheet.

Although the majority of rabies cases occur in wildlife, most humans contract rabies through exposure to domestic animals.

Protect your pets from rabies by:

• Maintaining your pet's rabies vaccinations.
• Keeping pets indoors.
• Calling Animal Services through the 911 Dispatch non-emergency line 428-3700 to remove stray animals from your neighborhood. They may be unvaccinated or ill.