Cattle and horses can also contract rabies. There are approved vaccinations for livestock. In Arkansas, your pet isn t considered vaccinated for rabies unless the vaccine is administered by a veterinarian. This is to protect the public and to make sure animals have been vaccinated properly. She noted that any warm blooded mammal can contract rabies, but the disease is most often carried by skunks, racoons and bats.
Skunks are the main reservoir for the disease.
Dr. Tom McChesney, epidemiologist for the State Health Department, said skunks accounted for 23 of the 31 animals confirmed rabid by his laboratory in 2000. There were also seven bats and one dog. Through mid-April of this year, there have been two bats and 11 skunks. Hellwig said look for unusual behavior. If you see a skunk walking around during the middle of the day and it doesn t seem to be afraid of you, stay as far away as you can.