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. Cattle and horses can also contract rabies. There are approved vaccinations for livestock. Hellwig 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. A dog or cat in the dumb stage of rabies might be less active than usual.