BISMARCK (AP) - State officials say there is an increase in rabies cases in North Dakota, and they are urging pet owners to make sure their animals are vaccinated.
Deputy State Veterinarian Beth Carlson says there have been 40 confirmed rabies cases this year - double the 20 cases in all of 2011. She says cases have been documented this year in cattle, horses, sheep, cats, bats and skunks. Skunks are the main carrier of rabies.
Carlson says pet owners should check their records to make sure their pets' rabies vaccinations are up to date. She says there is no treatment for unvaccinated animals after they have been exposed to rabies.