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"New cases of rabies have state officials warning Arkansas residents to beware of wildlife.According to the Arkansas State Department of Health, more than 50 animals have tested positive for rabies so far this year, just 10 less than last year's total of 60 cases.The most recent cases were found in Garland County. Hot Springs Animal Services director Dan Bugg said his agency submitted two bats and a skunk for rabies testing and the results came back positive.Officials found the infected animals outside of Hot Springs city limits.Susan Weinstein, Arkansas public heath veterininarian of the Arkansas Department of Health, said there are 54 cases confirmed in Arkansas so far this year -- 48 skunks, five bats and a cow. There have been four rabid skunks found in Sebastian County.\"Because of the mild winter, we saw more skunk activity early this year,\" Weinstein said. \"You know if you've been bit by a rabid skunk, but you might not know if your dog has been.\"Bugg said cats and dogs are the first to have contact with rabies-infected animals, and he urged pet owners to make sure their animals are vaccinated."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.4029tv.com/article/new-rabies-cases-reported-in-western-arkansas/4944620>