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Rabies cases drop in PA in 2012

The number of rabies cases reported in Pennsylvania dropped by 15 percent last year. The annual county-by-count rabies map released by the Department of Agriculture recorded 382 cases across Pennsylvania in 2012, compared with 450 in 2011.

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Rabies cases drop in PA in 2012

POSTED: Saturday, January 5, 2013, 10:55 AM

Amy Worden, Inquirer Staff Writer

The number of rabies cases reported in Pennsylvania dropped by 15 percent last year.

The annual county-by-count rabies map released by the Department of Agriculture recorded 382 cases across Pennsylvania in 2012, compared with 450 in 2011.

Chester County recorded the highest number of cases with 23, among them 16 raccoons and four bats which tested positive for the disease.

Overall, raccoons were the animal most likely to test positive for rabies followed by bats.

In other southeast counties:

Philadelphia had 4 cases

Bucks had 7 cases

Montgomery had 15 cases

Delaware had 4 cases

In 2010 Pennsylvania was the number one state in the nation in recorded rabies cases among domestic animals including cats, dogs and livestock.

The motto of this story: make sure your outdoor animals have current rabies vaccinations.

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About this blog

Amy Worden is a politics and government reporter for the Inquirer. In that capacity she has explored a range of animal issues from dog kennel law improvements and horse slaughter to the comeback of peregrine falcons and pigeon hunts. From hamsters to horses, animals have always been part of her life. To pass along a tip or contact Amy, click here. Reach Amy at aworden@phillynews.com.