South Dakota
First Alert Safety Desk: Rabies cases increase 112% in South Dakota
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The state of South Dakota says rabies is a serious public health and veterinary health concern and cases in animals are reported every year.
A total of 20 animals tested positive for rabies in South Dakota last year. 2023 saw the most rabid bats identified in the past decade, with 18 bats in South Dakota testing positive.
Most of those cases were reported in June and August in Minnehaha County. Rabies is deadly and can be spread from animals to people. Health experts urge pet owners to vaccinate cats and dogs against rabies and not to approach wild animals, especially skunks and bats.
More information on how to protect yourself, your pets, and your home can be found here.
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