Current:Home > FinanceSkunks are driving a rabies spike in Minnesota, report says-DB Wealth Institute B2 Reviews & Ratings
Skunks are driving a rabies spike in Minnesota, report says
lotradecoin fiat currency support View Date:2024-12-25 15:50:14
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Cattle in Minnesota are keeling over and dying — a phenomenon that health officials warn has been caused by rabid skunks infecting animals and driving up rabies cases in parts of the state.
Minnesota Board of Animal Health data made public Friday by the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports 32 cases of rabies across the state this year. Last year, there were 20 cases over the same period. The spike is concentrated in southwest and central Minnesota, driven by rabid skunks.
“This is a significant increase compared to other years,” Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist Carrie Klumb told the newspaper. “This is not a normal year.”
At least 24 people exposed to rabid animals this year have been advised to get rabies shots, Klumb added.
In a typical year, the state will see three to five rabid skunks, Klumb said. But the state has already surpassed that figure this year, with 12 infections recorded as of August. Over the last decade, the state has averaged one case per year of rabid cattle, but there have been six infections so far in 2024. All six died.
Rabid skunks can become fearless and aggressive, biting much larger animals such as livestock, according to the state animal health board.
Minnesota experienced an unseasonably mild winter, which may be leading to more rabid skunks, said Erik Jopp, assistant director of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. During warmer winters, the animals can remain active instead of hiding from the elements, he added.
Officials advise Minnesota residents to avoid skunks this summer and consider vaccinating their pets and livestock if they haven’t already.
veryGood! (26529)
Related
- 2025 COLA estimate dips with inflation, but high daily expenses still burn seniors
- Afraid of overspending on holiday gifts? Set a budget. We'll show you how.
- Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders out for season finale vs. Utah, freshman Ryan Staub starts
- Michigan, Washington move up in top five of US LBM Coaches Poll, while Ohio State tumbles
- Usher Cancels Atlanta Concert Hours Before Show to Rest and Heal
- Terry Venables, the former England, Tottenham and Barcelona coach, has died at 80
- Still looking for deals on holiday gifts? Retailers are offering discounts on Cyber Monday
- Beyoncé films to watch ahead of 'Renaissance' premiere
- Lady Gaga’s Brunette Hair Transformation Will Have You Applauding
- The update we all need: Meadow, the Great Dane with 15 puppies, adopted by 'amazing family'
Ranking
- Biden to designate 1908 Springfield race riot site as national monument
- Barnes’ TD, Weitz three field goals lift Clemson to 16-7 victory over rival South Carolina
- Skyscraper-studded Dubai has flourished during regional crises. Could it benefit from hosting COP28?
- Heavy snowfall in Romania and Moldova leaves 1 person dead and many without electricity
- Ryan Reynolds on his 'complicated' relationship with his dad, how it's changed him
- Goal of the year? Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho with insane bicycle kick
- Remains of tank commander from Indiana identified 79 years after he was killed in German World War II battle
- South Korea, Japan and China agree to resume trilateral leaders’ summit, but without specific date
Recommendation
-
Head of Theodore Roosevelt National Park departs North Dakota job
-
The best Super Mario Bros. games, including 'Wonder,' 'RPG,' definitively ranked
-
Plaquemine mayor breaks ribs, collarbone in 4-wheeler crash
-
Criminals are using AI tools like ChatGPT to con shoppers. Here's how to spot scams.
-
Beyoncé leads nominations for 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards
-
Dwayne Johnson and Lauren Hashian Serve Up Sweet Musical Treat for Thanksgiving
-
A new Pentagon program aims to speed up decisions on what AI tech is trustworthy enough to deploy
-
John Travolta Shares Sweet Tribute to Son Benjamin for His 13th Birthday