72 Reported Rabies Cases in ND | Video

Amy Fox | 12/7/2012

In 2011, there were 22 confirmed cases of rabies. This year, that number has more than tripled. According to the North Dakota Department of Health, there have already been 72 confirmed cases this year, with several coming from Ward County.

Due to last year`s mild winter, the skunk population grew throughout the state. Skunks and other mammals can be carriers of the infectious disease. The disease can be transferred through bites, scratches, and saliva.

But, how do you know if an animal has rabies?

"Any abnormal signs that your animal normally doesn`t display could be a warning,” explains Linda Larson, North Dakota State Health Department Disease Control. “Excitability, agitated, paralysis, provoked/unprovoked attacks, and vicious attacks, those types of things are concerning."

If you think your animal has rabies, Larson recommends contacting your vet to have them tested

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