Bobcat that attacked dogs is state’s 1st rabies case of 2026
By Hamilton Kahn
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Sierra County NM (KOAT) — A bobcat that attacked several dogs and tested positive for rabies is the state’s first case of rabies this year, a New Mexico Department of Health news release said.
All the dogs that were attacked have received rabies vaccines and a booster, and will be monitored for rabies symptoms for 45 days. Two people who may have been exposed were given post-exposure rabies vaccines, the release said.
“Rabies is deadly but preventable,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, NMDOH’s public heealth veterinarian. “Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies must be euthanized or strictly isolated for months to prevent human exposure.”
Bats are the animals most likely to have rabies in New Mexico, along with skunks and foxes. There were 13 confirmed cases in New Mexico of animals with rabies in 2025, including one bobcat, and 12 cases in 2024, including four bobcats, the release said.
Animals that appear sick or acting abnormally should be reported to a local animal control officer or the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.
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