State urges rabies vaccinations for pets, farm animals

Associated Press - September 7, 2007 6:34 PM ET

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A high rate of rabies cases in Michigan this year has state agriculture officials urging residents to vaccinate their pets, livestock and horses.

State officials had documented 170 cases of rabies in animals so far this year. That compares to 49 cases in animals in 2006.

The vast majority of animals that have tested positive are bats.

State health officials don't know what is behind the increase in cases, although some experts say rabies may be cyclical.

The reported rabies cases in animals are scattered across much of the Lower Peninsula.

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That is so sad...

Despite what people often think, MI usually has a relatively rabies free bat population.

*sigh* not any more