TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas health officials say a sharp increase in rabies cases in the state since Jan. 1 shows the need to keep animals vaccinated.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says four skunks, two bats, two horses, two cows, one cat, one coyote and one raccoon have tested positive for rabies this year.
The 13 cases compare with just four at the same point last year. State veterinarian Ingrid Garrison says Kansas has had an average of 68 rabies cases a year since 2007.
Skunks are the animals most likely to have rabies, and can pass the virus on to other animals like dogs, cats and livestock.
Garrison encourages animal owners to vaccinate horses and valuable breeding stock and show animals.
