MDARD, MDHHS, and MDNR Recognize World Rabies Day, September 28

Stronger together: The collective efforts of every Michigander can help protect against rabies

LANSING, Mich.-Together, the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and Natural Resources (MDNR) recognize World Rabies Day, a day devoted to raising awareness about rabies and its prevention. Rabies is a highly fatal viral disease that can affect all mammals including humans, and the collective efforts of every Michigander help to protect both animals and people from this disease.

"One way to limit the spread and impact of rabies in Michigan is to ensure domestic animals are up to date on their vaccination against the disease," said State Veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM. "Highly safe and effective vaccines are available to protect dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, and other animals from this virus. Vaccines are most effective when given at the proper dose and frequency, and your veterinarian can advise you on what is appropriate for your specific animals. Proper vaccination will protect both you and your animal from rabies."

Exposure to rabies most often occurs when the saliva or neural tissue from a rabid animal enters a healthy body through a bite, wound, or some other means. For example, animals could be exposed if they are found playing with, eating, or sharing items with a wild animal. Most wild animals are not rabid, but keep in mind that rabid animals do not always display outward signs of illness. When a person or an animal is exposed to the virus, there are protocols and procedures in place to ensure the disease does not spread. Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention distributed a health advisory noting increased reports of human rabies exposures and the need for performing rabies risk assessments and following post-exposure treatment recommendations.

"Rabies prevention is truly a community effort," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Chief Medical Executive. "Rabies is almost universally fatal in humans, which makes prevention absolutely essential. Vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with wild animals and seeking prompt medical care after any possible exposure aren t just helpful steps they re lifesaving ones. By protecting ourselves and our animals, we're safeguarding our families, neighbors and entire communities."

Keeping one's distance from wildlife can also help prevent exposure to rabies. In Michigan, rabies is most commonly found in bats throughout the state and in skunks from the southeastern region of the state, but the disease can affect other species of mammals like raccoons and foxes. In 2025, 42 bats in Michigan were confirmed to have the disease, and as of September 16, 2026, 53 cases of rabies in bats and one case in a skunk were confirmed this year. Detections of rabies in Michigan's domestic animals do occur, with the most recent cases being in a kitten from Oakland County in 2022 and a dog from Wayne County in 2021.

"Bats are an incredibly important part of our natural ecosystems and only a small percentage of them carry the rabies virus," said MDNR State Wildlife Veterinarian Scott Larsen. "However, bats that come into contact with people and domestic animals are more likely to be sick and have the rabies virus than those in the general bat population, so exposure to these bats should be taken seriously."

Rabies is a complex disease that requires a comprehensive response. MDARD, MDHHS, and MDNR are united in their commitment to investigate rabies cases, take action to prevent its spread, and equip the public as well as animal health professionals with the knowledge and resources needed to identify, test, and protect against this virus. Together, we can all be stronger in our efforts to create a healthier, safer Michigan.

For more information on World Rabies Day, please visit the Global Alliance for Rabies Control's website. For more on rabies in Michigan, visit michigan.gov/rabies.

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