BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Rabies is on the rise among Vermont’s critters.
While it’s mostly wildlife that gets rabies, all it takes is one encounter for you or your pets to be at risk.
Rates of the deadly viral brain disease have increased steadily since 2020, jumping 50% in the past year.
There’s never been a case in Vermonters, but 57 animals tested positive this year alone — including a pet rabbit.
Encounters can happen out in nature — or even in your home.
((Patsy Kelso // VT Dept. of Health
“We often get calls about someone who wakes up to find a bat in their bedroom. It happens more often than you think.”))
To curb the disease — the state dropped 300-thousand rabies vaccine baits this year.
To protect your pets — make sure they’re licensed and vaccinated against rabies — keep a close eye on them when outside — and have a plan in case of a bite.