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Puppy in Bernalillo County tests positive for rabies in state's 1st case in a dog in 10 years
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A puppy has tested positive for rabies in Albuquerque, state health officials said Friday.
This was the first case of rabies detected in a dog in Bernalillo County since 2006, and the first occurrence in New Mexico since 2013.
The New Mexico Department of Health Scientific Laboratory Division tested the dog and confirmed the diagnosis, and the affected puppy was euthanized due to the severity of her symptoms.
Six people were exposed to the disease and are receiving post-exposure rabies shots. The affected puppy was too young to be vaccinated for rabies, but the other animals exposed had been kept up to date on their vaccines and did not require euthanasia. These pets have received booster shots.
“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,” the Department of Health said in a news release. “The puppy in this case showed symptoms typical of rabies, including a lack of coordination, tremors, and aggression.”
Prior to the incident, there has been one case of rabies in a dog and three cases in cats in New Mexico since 2013. None of these cases was in Bernalillo County, according to the DOH.
Rabies is relatively rare in New Mexico, and state health officials said they strongly believe the puppy contracted the virus in Texas.
Though there is no ongoing risk to the public at this time, the DOH warns the public that animals can contract the disease from local wildlife or from other regions of the country.
For more information on rabies, visit the DOH website.
