Historical

The far west was free from rabies until 1909, when affected dogs from the east were brought into Southern California.  Although recognized at that time, no effective steps were taken to eradicate the disease and it gradually spread northward through California. In 1912, animal rabies spread into Oregon when an affected sheep dog was taken across the mountains from Redding, California and subsequently attacked a coyote.  Rabies was then introduced among wild animals.

Later the disease worked southeast, involving Idaho, Nevada and Utah. Traveling by this devious route,  the disease did not reach Nevada until April, 1915.  Nevada  apparently was invaded by three separate routes; first from Oregon into Humboldt County, and later invasions took place from northeastern California into Washoe County and from Idaho into Elko County and then spread to southern Nevada. Once introduced, the disease was spread by means of wild animals and other factors beyond control southward until every county in the State was, to a greater or lesser extent, affected. 

The introduction of rabies into Nevada was probably the most serious calamity of its kind which ever occurred in the State during this period.  In addition to the great losses of livestock, which inevitable followed its general distribution, it constituted a serious menace to the health, safety and convenience of human beings.  Eradication of the disease presented health official a challenge since Nevada, as well as other intermountain states, harbored a large number of predatory animals such as coyotes, mountain lions and wildcats.  Fortunately, through vigorous enforcement and education by veterinary and public health officials, the epidemic was brought under control after a few years. 

Thanks, to the combined efforts of veterinary and public health officials, the livestock industry, and the private citizen in eradicating this rabies epidemic from the wildlife population and domestic animals, Nevada has since remained relatively free of  rabies in animals.

Currently

In Nevada, bats serve as the major source of rabies.  Over the past years, several humans have been exposed to rabid bats in various parts of the State.  Fortunately, they received medical attention in a timely manner and were given post exposure prophylaxis. Since 1986, rabid bats have infected the following animals:

• Elko County:  1- Cow and 1- Skunk
• Washoe County:  2-foxes
• Clark County:  5- foxes; 1- ring tailed cat and 1- horse

For calendar year 2003, the Reno Laboratory performed 336 rabies tests on the following animals: Dogs- 131, Cats-98, Skunks-5, Raccoons-13, Rodents-9, Coyote-7, and Bats-72. Of this total, Washoe County had 4 positive bats and Clark County had 1 positive bat.

In Nevada, dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies 3 months of age and older.  Dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies with a vaccine that is designated to provide protection from rabies for 3 years.  Ferrets must be vaccinated annually.

Quick references:

      Dogs, entry requirements: 571.080

      Human rabies, reports and care of cases: 441A.400

      Owners of animals, duties: 441A.425-441A.435

      Prohibited activities on private property: 441A.445

      Rabies control authority

             Appointment: 441A.410

             Definition: 441A.150

             Duties: 441A.412-441A.430

      Rabies-susceptible animal defined: 441A.155

      Reporting requirement:  441A.225-441A.260, 441A.290

      Vaccines, regulation: 571.310, 639.660

      Veterinarians, vaccinations: 441A.440

Entire Nevada Administrative Code 441A.410: Animal Rabies

The current Compendium of Animals Rabies Prevention and Control can be found at  http://www.avma.org/public_health/rabies_compendium_2005.pdf.

Useful links:

CDC Contact Information for Rabies Questions

Medline Plus - Rabies

Dog Owner's Guide - Rabies