Rabies Cases Among Cats on the Rise

摘要

SCHAUMBURG, IL—Reported cases of rabies in the United States dropped in 2008, but veterinarians and public health officials warn that an increase in the number of reported cases in cats poses a health risk to both animals and people. There were 6,841reported cases of animal rabies in the United States and Puerto Rico in 2008 according to a report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and published in the Sept. 15, 2009, issue of JAVMA. The number represents a 3.1% decreasefrom the 7,060 rabies cases in animals reported to the CDC in 2007. There were two cases of rabies in humans in 2008, up from one case reported in 2007.