Dog tests positive for rabies in Grant County

SANTA FE – A dog has tested positive for rabies in Grant County, the eleventh animal rabies case identified in the county since 2020. 

The diagnosis has been confirmed through testing conducted by the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) Scientific Laboratory Division.   

This dog had not received any veterinarian-administered rabies vaccines. A rabies vaccine purchased over the counter had been administered.  

“Only rabies vaccines that are administered by a veterinarian are legally recognized,” Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH. “Vaccines acquired through other avenues may not have been properly stored and lose their effectiveness, leading to lack of protection for those diseases.” 

The infected dog was euthanized, and individuals who had been exposed to the dog are receiving post-exposure rabies shots as a precautionary measure. Dogs that had contact with the infected dog had all previously received rabies vaccines and were given booster shots. They will be monitored for 45 days. 

“This incident serves as a reminder to residents that while rabies is relatively rare in our state, animals can contract the disease from local wildlife,” said Phipps. “Rabies is known to circulate in wildlife, especially foxes and bats, in southwestern New Mexico.”  

In accordance with New Mexico state law, rabies vaccination is mandatory for dogs and cats over three months of age and is strongly recommended for other animals such as horses. Vaccinating pets safeguards their well-being and protects you, even if the animals remain exclusively on your property or are always leashed. 

NMDOH recommends the following to keep you and your family safe from rabies:  

 

• Keep your pets up to date on vaccinations and ensure they wear current license 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. Do not attempt to feed them. Don’t approach or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach this important message to your children and always keep a close eye on your kids around unfamiliar animals.   
• In the event of an animal bite or exposure to saliva, wash the affected area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water, and seek medical attention promptly.    
• Rabies vaccines are recommended for everyone 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).   

 

For more info see the New Mexico Department of Health Rabies page.