On Saturday, March 10, ADHS will join with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Arizona Department of Agriculture, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Pinal County Public Health Services District, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services, and Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine to host “Madness in the Mountains: Debunking Myths about Rabies in the Superstitions.” This interactive event will feature presentations from public and wildlife health experts, Q&A sessions, and interactive educational booths.
Rabies is a virus spread by the bite of or contact with saliva of an infected animal. The disease causes damage to the nervous system and causes death once symptoms appear. In Arizona, bats, skunks, and foxes are the main animal reservoirs, or sources, of rabies. Since November 2017, Arizona officials have seen an increase in the number of rabid foxes, particularly from the east-central portion of the state. This area includes popular recreational hiking and camping areas of Maricopa and Pinal Counties, such as the Superstition Mountains Wilderness Area. Several of these rabid foxes have had contact with or bitten people, resulting in the need for these individuals to receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Some of these rabid foxes have also interacted with pets, which can require the animals to be quarantined for at least 45 days.
This free, public event will be held at the Multi-Generational Center in Apache Junction (1035 N Idaho Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119) from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. We hope you will join us to learn more about how to enjoy our beautiful state while keeping you safe and your pets protected against rabies virus.
