US Rabies Alarm: Worries Rise While Case Increase Remains Unclear

Recent incidents—rabid beavers in Maryland and hundreds exposed to potentially rabid goats at a North Carolina petting zoo—trigger a CDC advisory, but experts caution it’s not yet clear that rabies cases are increasing in the United States. The rise in media coverage and inquiries has led to more post-exposure prophylaxis and vaccination efforts, even as rabies deaths have fallen for decades thanks to vaccines and control programs. Health officials emphasize prompt medical care after exposure and keeping pets vaccinated, noting outbreaks remain relatively rare and often related to isolated incidents rather than a system-wide surge.