Abstract
Reported animal rabies in Arkansas is reviewed for the years 1950-81 . Total cases ranged from 44 in 1969 to 332 in 1979, with a mean of 154. Domestic animals accounted for 72.5% of the total cases until 1961-63 and then declined to 15.8% from 1964-81. This switch from domestic to wildlife rabies corresponded to a similar trend in nationally reported rabies and was probably due to increased public awareness and the vaccination of domestic dogs and cats. Over the 31 year period a total of 18 species of mammals has been implicated in reported rabies (individual species of foxes, bats and skunks have been grouped together). The four species accounting for the highest incidence are: skunks (34.5%), dogs (27.2%), foxes (15.8%) and cattle (13.9%). Between 1964-81, skunks accounted for 63.5% of total reported rabies; however, in recent years this percentage has increased to 80-90%.
Recommended Citation
Heidt, Gary A.
(1982)
"Reported Animal Rabies in Arkansas: 1950-1981,"
Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 36, Article 12.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol36/iss1/12
