Dr. Diane Hellwig, veterinarian for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, says tens of thousands of humans die of rabies worldwide, mostly in developing nations.
Millions undergo costly treatments after being exposed to the disease.
Once it s established in the brain, the disease is normally fatal. She urges cat and dog owners to have their pets vaccinated each year. Most people don t bother to vaccinate their cats, but many of the confirmed cases of rabies are cats. Cattle and horses can also contract rabies. There are approved vaccinations for livestock.