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| Updated: 4/27/2012 3:04 pm |
Published: 4/27/2012 2:57 pm |
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - State officials say there are a greater number of rabies cases than normal this year in Arkansas.
The University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service said Friday that the most common carriers of the deadly virus are bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks. Livestock can also become infected.
A couple of cases have been detected in Pulaski County, but most have been in the western half of the state. The Arkansas Health Department reports a total of 68 cases statewide so far this year.
The cases include 57 skunks, nine bats, and a dog and a cow.
The virus is fatal to people but is treatable if caught in time.
Indications of rabies in animals include agitated or aggressive behavior during which they may attack humans.
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