By Benjamin W. Dolf

Rabies is a deadly but preventable viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals — including humans. Each year, the state health officer declares Humboldt County, and all of California, a rabies area — meaning the disease is endemic throughout the state. Rabies continuously circulates in wildlife populations, especially in species like bats, foxes and skunks. Most recently, in June of this year, a bat was found in Arcata that tested positive for rabies — the first identified case in Humboldt since 2022. Fortunately, there was no human exposure associated with this bat, but the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Environmental Health (DEH) would like to take this opportunity to remind residents of the ever-present risk of this serious disease.

Humboldt County’s charm of lush forests and natural spaces offers an abundance of habitat for wildlife — which also results in frequent interactions between people, domestic pets and wild animals. Humboldt County experiences rabies epidemics in the wildlife population and serious outbreaks have occurred when populations peak. Between 1991 and 1993, there were 85 positive specimens — 77 of which were wild animals (foxes, bats and skunks). The remaining eight cases were domestic animals — one cat and seven cows. Over 90% of rabies cases in the U.S. occur in wild animals, but our domestic pets bridge the gap between wild populations and risks to the public. Rabies is unique in that treatment is only effective prior to the onset of symptoms — recognizing an exposure is critical for timely treatment.

Rabies virus is transmitted through direct contact (e.g., through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose or mouth) with saliva, tears and lacrimal secretions, or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal. The most effective way to protect yourself and your family from potential exposure to rabies is to keep your pets current on their rabies vaccinations. California state law requires that dogs be vaccinated at four months of age with a booster 12 months later, and then every three years thereafter. For cats, there is no statewide mandate for vaccination. However, it is strongly recommended for both indoor and outdoor cats as they frequently interact with wildlife and are statistically the most frequently reported domestic rabid animal in the U.S.

The vaccination status of any species of domestic animal is considered when pets are exposed to potentially rabid wild animals to mitigate risks to owners and the general public. A pet that is current on its vaccines must get a booster vaccination within 48 hours of the exposure and a strict 30-day isolation quarantine is required to monitor the pet for any changes in behavior or health. In the case of an unvaccinated pet, they too require immediate vaccination but the isolation quarantine and observation period is extended to 180 days.

The other key preventive measure against exposure to rabies is being safe and cautious around wildlife and stray animals. Rabies doesn’t always present through aggressive behavior — it can affect the brain in ways that make animals docile, approachable or even appearing tame. Never approach a wild animal, even if it is in distress — contact local wildlife care services, or local law enforcement if an animal is aggressive.

The wild animal of most concern is also one of the smallest — bats. According to the California Department of Public Health, statewide, 61 animals have tested positive for rabies as of June of this year, with 52 of them being bats. Bat bites can go undetected and can be difficult to notice. Bat-proofing homes by ensuring windows and vents are properly screened is the most effective way to prevent bats from entering a home. DEH strongly recommends having any bats tested for rabies if they have been in a home overnight or around people and pets.

For questions about rabies or to report a rabid or suspected rabid animal, call DEH at 707-445-6215 or toll free at 800-963-9241. To report a sick or injured animal, contact the Humboldt Wildlife Care Center at 707-822-8839.

Benjamin W. Dolf is a registered environmental health specialist and works as a supervising environmental health specialist in the consumer protection program at the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Environmental Health.