Reported Animal Rabies in Arkansas: 1982-1990

Authors

Gary A. Heidt, University of Arkansas at Little RockFollow
David A. Saugey, U.S. Forest ServiceFollow
Laura Chandler, University of Arkansas at Little RockFollow
Karen D. Stone, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Abstract

Reported animal rabies in Arkansas is reviewed for the years 1982-1990; providing an update from 1950-1981 (Heidt, 1982). Total cases ranged from 39 in 1990 to 168 in 1986, with a mean of 123.1. Wildlife accounted for 93.4% of the total cases. A total of 16 kinds of mammals has been implicated in reported rabies (individual species of foxes and skunks have been combined). The four taxa accounting for the highest incidence are: skunks (82.6%); bats (10.1%, all seven species combined); cattle (2.8%); and dogs (1.5%). Skunks, the most prominent species, ranged from 71.8% in 1990 to 90.2% in 1987. These figures were similar to the previous ten years, with the exception of 1977-1979 when Arkansas experienced a severe skunk rabies epizootic.

Recommended Citation

Heidt, Gary A.; Saugey, David A.; Chandler, Laura; and Stone, Karen D. (1991) "Reported Animal Rabies in Arkansas: 1982-1990," Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 45, Article 13.

Available at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol45/iss1/13