Rabies cases spike among Arizona wildlife

• It is preventable in vaccinated animals and treatable in humans if addressed before the virus reaches the central nervous system.

State of play: Wildlife rabies cases are up for this time of year, the Game and Fish Department warned this week.

• The Arizona Department of Health Services recorded 50 cases from January through March. Last year, there were 11 cases in that timeframe.

By the numbers: As of April 7, rabies had been confirmed in:

• 25 skunks
• 19 foxes
• 3 coyotes
• 2 bats
• 1 bobcat
• 1 horse

Between the lines: Skunks, foxes and bats are the most common rabies hosts in Arizona, Game and Fish Department wildlife veterinarian Anne Justice-Allen said in a statement.

Yes, but: When rabies activity is high in these species, it becomes more likely the disease will spread to other mammals, including dogs, cats, horses and cows, she said.

Zoom out: Dog bites and scratches cause 99% of human rabies cases, per the World Health Organization.

The fine print: State law requires all dogs three months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Health officials encourage cat vaccinations as well.

• Dog owners must provide vaccine proof to Maricopa County when licensing their pet, which is also required by state law.