Domestic horse near Nogales first confirmed case of rabies in AZ in 7 years

Published: Apr. 20, 2016 at 1:12 AM MST|Updated: Mar. 2, 2018 at 4:19 PM MST
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, AZ (Tucson News Now) - A horse from a ranch located just north of the Nogales International Airport tested positive for rabies last week and according to the Arizona Department of Agriculture, this is the first domestic animal in nearly seven years to test positive in the state.

So far this year, 14 animals have tested positive for rabies in Santa Cruz County, according to their lead animal care and control supervisor Jose Luis Peña. He said there is another animal that has been sent out for testing and said this could bring that tally up to 15.

"State officials have been saying that we might have another outbreak in 2017 so, this might be the start of it," Peña said.

Peña said the horse came from the T4 Ranch and had not been vaccinated. The horse was taken to a vet in Phoenix for what owners thought was equine encephalitis. Peña said the horse ended up being euthanized after not responding to the treatment.

Though they are waiting for test results, he believes the horse may have been bitten by a rabid skunk.

Meanwhile, Peña said Santa Cruz County is not a stranger to rabies outbreaks. He said in 2009, an outbreak impacted several animals including two horses, a cow and a cat.

He also said other parts of the state are beginning to see an outbreak.

"Cochise County in the sections of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca are getting them right now," Peña said. "We're gonna be waiting to see if we get any more."

Peña, who has been working for SCCACC for more than 25 years, said his staff is monitoring "hot spot" areas which tend to see a lot of skunks. He said in order to avoid an impact on family pets, such as dogs and cats, the key is to get them vaccinated before it's too late.

"There's a big difference before the quarantine if the animal is vaccinated or not," Peña said. "So that it obviously protects their pet and their family by doing that."

He also said as the summer months are fast approaching, he has a message for those out at nearby campsites.

"We've had several situations in our outbreaks where campers have been attacked by skunks and bitten by skunks," Peña said. "So, it's important that when you're out here, be aware of your surroundings."

The T4 ranch manager declined to comment. 

Peña said SCCACC plans on reaching out to all the ranches in the area to make sure all animals are vaccinated. He also said people can report strange animal behavior by calling 761-7860.

Copyright 2016 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.