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.
This year Humboldt County Public Health has identified five rabies-positive wild animals, two of which were skunks from within the Blue Lake city limits. The other positives were bats from other parts of the county.
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 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.
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.