CDC Issues Alert: Rabies Cases Rising in Wildlife Across the U.S.

If you’re outdoors enjoying fall hikes, walking your dog, or just in your backyard, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a timely warning: Rabies outbreaks are on the rise in wild animals across more than a dozen states. While human cases remain rare, experts are urging Americans to stay vigilant to protect themselves, their families, and their pets.

What’s Happening with Rabies in the U.S.?

Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system of mammals, including people. It’s most often spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. In the United States, wildlife like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes carry the virus. The good news? The U.S. has been free of widespread dog rabies since 2007, thanks to pet vaccines and animal control.

But recent reports show a spike in wildlife cases. The CDC is now tracking 15 likely outbreaks from New York to Oregon. This includes confirmed clusters in places like Nassau County, New York; Cape Cod, Massachusetts; and parts of Alaska, Arizona, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Oregon, and Vermont. Overall, about 4,000 animal rabies cases are reported each year nationwide, with over 90% in wildlife.

Also read: iPhone 17 Pro Max vs. the 2025

In the last 12 months, six people have died from rabies—the highest number in years. Two of those deaths happened in 2025 so far, including one in Michigan from an organ transplant and others linked to bat exposures. Bats are the top source of human rabies infections in the U.S., often because their tiny bites can go unnoticed.

Why Is This Happening Now?

Experts point to a few reasons for the uptick:

• Shrinking habitats: As cities and suburbs expand, wild animals like foxes and skunks are coming closer to homes, increasing contact with people and pets.
• Better tracking: Improved surveillance means we’re catching more cases early.
• Pet vaccine hesitancy: Some pet owners are skipping routine shots, which can create gaps in protection. Veterinarians worry this could lead to more risks if unvaccinated pets encounter rabid wildlife.

Rabies is found in every state except Hawaii, but outbreaks are popping up more in the West (like rabid foxes in Arizona and California) and nationwide with bats. In Florida alone, 56 animal cases were confirmed from January to June 2025.

Signs to Watch For

Rabid animals don’t always foam at the mouth like in movies. Look out for unusual behavior:

• Wild animals acting tame or friendly (like a raccoon that’s not afraid of people).
• Aggressive or overly fearless actions.
• Stumbling, drooling, or paralysis.
• Nocturnal animals (like skunks or raccoons) are out during the day.

If your pet is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, or if you wake up to a bat in your room, seek help right away—even if there’s no obvious wound

Also read: 40 Jobs AI Can’t Touch.

How to Stay Safe: Simple Steps for American Families

The CDC says most rabies cases are preventable with awareness and quick action. Here’s what you can do:

1. Vaccinate your pets: Dogs, cats, and ferrets need rabies shots—it’s the law in most states. Keep them up to date to protect your furry friends and your family.
2. Avoid wild animals: Don’t feed or touch wildlife. Keep garbage cans sealed to avoid attracting raccoons or skunks.
3. Supervise kids and pets: Teach children to stay away from stray or wild animals, and never let pets roam unsupervised.
4. After a bite or scratch: Wash the area with soap and water immediately. Call your doctor or local health department right away for advice on post-exposure treatment (PEP). This includes a series of shots that’s nearly 100% effective if started soon. About 1.4 million Americans get checked for exposure each year, and 100,000 receive PEP.

If you’re in a high-risk job (like a vet or wildlife worker) or traveling to areas with dog rabies, talk to your doctor about pre-exposure vaccines.

What the CDC Is Doing

The CDC’s rabies team is working with states to monitor cases, test animals, and distribute oral vaccines in baits for wildlife (over 5 million dropped yearly). They’re also pushing for better pet vaccination rates to keep human deaths low—fewer than 10 happen annually, down from hundreds in the 1960s.

Dr. Ryan Wallace, head of the CDC’s rabies team, says: “There are parts of the United States where it does seem like we’re getting more calls and more reports.” But with simple precautions, we can keep it that way.

For more info, visit the CDC’s rabies page at cdc.gov/rabies or contact your local health department. Stay safe out there, America—prevention is key to enjoying our great outdoors.