Protect Your Pets and Yourself from Rabies
- Trinity Gruenberg
- 3 hours ago
- 1 min read
by Trinity Gruenberg
Rabies primarily affects wild animals, but it can easily spread to domestic animals and livestock. Over the past year, 24 counties have confirmed cases of rabies. In 2024, there were 64 reported cases, and there have been 17 cases thus far in 2025.
In Todd County, there were two reported cases in the past year: one in August 2024 and another in June 2025 involving a bat and a skunk. Wadena County reported one case in the past year, which involved a calf in September 2024.
Rabies Virus
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that affects mammals, targeting the central nervous system and leading to encephalopathy (brain dysfunction) that often results in death. The virus is most commonly transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. There are two forms of rabies: Dumb rabies, where an affected animal appears sick, lethargic, and stops eating; and Furious rabies characterized by aggressive and vicious behavior in the animal.
Over the past century, there has been a substantial decrease in the number of human rabies cases, thanks to the availability of vaccines and vigilant surveillance by public health officials. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health investigates rabies cases and may quarantine exposed animals to prevent the spread of the virus.
In Minnesota, wild animals account for the majority of rabies cases reported annually. The species of highest concern are skunks and bats, which are common carriers. Less than 15 percent of rabid animal cases in Minnesota involve domestic species, with the most common being cattle, cats, and dogs...
