Rabies cases in the state continue to climb. The state Health Department is urging the community to follow prevention guidelines to stay safe from the disease. As of May 31-st there have been 77-rabid animals reported compared with 54 at the same time last year, with the majority of animals identified in rural counties in the state including Yavapai and Coconino Counties. Most of the animals identified have been skunks and foxes, with 25-rabid skunks and 31-positive foxes reported from January through May. An increase in rabid bats is expected with the warmer weather.
