Wolf Crossing

Locations of Concern For SW NM Rabies Outbreak.
 
The map isn’t complete nor is it perfectly accurate as to case locations but it is better than nothing as a warning to folks who may come into contact with a sick animal.  This map is a work in progress if anyone has suggestions please send them. 
 
Purple triangles = the most recent un-collared wolf sightings.  Sometimes they are with collared animals as in the Luna pack location and the collared w/ un-vaccinated northernmost sighting on the map as well as the location near Mule Creek where a pair of wolves has been sighted three years running during hunting season. 
 
 
The reason I am including un-collared, IE unvaccinated, wolf sightings in this map is because we have begged warned and cajoled the FWS and state agencies to keep up trapping and vaccinating wolves using any and all methods available for over ten years.  We have a retired neurological-pathologist who as well as several published veterinarians who are extremely concerned with the potential for wolf rabies.  Wolves can travel so far, so fast even with the disease, the larger the animal the more affective the spread.  The Mexican wolf final rule states all wolves will be vaccinated currently this is not happening and has not happened affectively or consistently for the majority of the program.  Wolves are known vectors of rabies. It is breeding season and widespread travel will be occurring in breeding age wolves. 

There are those who believe that wolves are not covered by the rabies vaccine however, after speaking with severel veterinarians on the subject, it is likely that the same vaccine used in dogs is affective in wolves regardless of official approval.  See the following link from the Texas board of health.   http://www.idir.net/~wolf2dog/texas1.htm All large predators as well as prey species may contract and spread the disease, we are not just picking on the wolves.  Do not rule out a lion acting strangely just because we don’t have a pinpoint on this map for lions the same goes for elk or deer. 
 
It is unusual for rabies to spread this time of year, normally it is bad in the summer months and less prevalent in the winter.  Please be aware that all unvaccinated wildlife and livestock and pets may contract the disease and display varying degrees of symptoms. 
Humans coming in contact with saliva will be at tremendous risk.  
 
Pay close attention to livestock displaying illness or unusual behavior including unusual aggressiveness, in wildlife notice unusual daytime presence, overall illness and unusual friendliness or aggressiveness.
In both domestic and wildlife species these behaviors are of special concern when they are accompanied with excessive saliva or frothing at the mouth.  Any one or a combination of these symptoms may be visible.   
Do not automatically doctor on livestock that may have any combination of these symptoms. 
Do not try to treat a pet that is ill especially if you don’t know the status of its vaccination regime.
·        If you or a loved one are bitten by an animal, or come into contact with an animal’s saliva, wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water. Be sure to report the bite to local animal control and seek medical care as soon as possible.
·        If you see a sick or dead wild animal, or a wild animal acting abnormally in this area, report it to New Mexico Department of Game and Fish at (505) 532-2100. Rabid animals may show no fear of people and may seem friendly or become aggressive.
·        For more information about rabies call the Department of Health at (505) 827-0006 or visit the Department of Health website at http://www.health.state.nm.us/epi/rabies.html.
    SW NM Rabies Map 1-13-08 pdf

Blue circle = confirmed bobcat rabies case, source NM Health Dept.
Blue pins = confirmed fox rabies cases, source NM Health Dept.
Green star = confirmed domestic dog rabies case, *(along with the green star case are 5 human beings that are now undergoing rabies treatment,) Source NM Health Dept.
 
Red Flag is an anecdotal case of a possible rabid coyote, shot in Luna County the first week of Jan 08.  The animal was described as sickly and aggressive. This case is currently anecdotal as those involved were not aware of the potential for rabies in the state and after the press release on the dog case came out they became aware.  Those involved will be on the alert for more sign of the same illness in wildlife and will report it through proper channels listed below.