SANTA FE – A 10-month-old dog in Curry County tested positive for rabies – the second dog in the state to do so in the past ten months.
The dog was euthanized after displaying aggressive behavior and neurologic signs. It had not been vaccinated against rabies.
One person bitten is receiving the post-exposure rabies vaccine. Five additional people who were exposed but not bitten are also receiving the post-exposure vaccine.
“Rabies vaccines are an invisible but strong barrier against this deadly disease,” said Dr. Erin Phipps state public health veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). “State law requires all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies must be euthanized or strictly isolated for four months to prevent human exposure.”
In New Mexico, rabies is most often found in wildlife such as skunks, bats and foxes. The state confirmed 13 rabid animals in 2025, and 12 in 2024. While bats are the animal most commonly found with rabies in New Mexico, all mammals are susceptible. Household pets can contract rabies from wildlife even if they stay in a fenced yard.
While rabid wild animals may show no fear of people and may be aggressive, they can also be quiet and appear tame. If you see a sick wild animal, or a wild animal acting abnormally, report it to your local animal control officer or the New Mexico Department of Wildlife at (888) 248-6866.
NMDOH recommends the following to prevent rabies:
- Rabies vaccinations for pets begin at three months of age. Keep your pets up to date on vaccinations and ensure they wear tags on their collar confirming their vaccination status.
- If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, especially by a wild animal, call your pet’s veterinarian even if the wound is superficial.
- Avoid wild or unfamiliar animals. Don’t approach or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach this important message to your children and keep a close eye on your kids around unfamiliar animals.
- In the event of an animal bite or exposure to saliva, thoroughly wash the affected area immediately with soap and water, and seek medical attention promptly.
- Rabies vaccines are recommended for any human who has direct contact with a bat, or who finds a bat in the room where they were sleeping or where a child was unattended.
Report any exposure or bite to your local animal control and call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (833 796-8773) or text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).
For more info about rabies, visit the NMDOH webpage: Rabies.