GRANTS, N.M. – The New Mexico Department of Health reported that a bat in Sandoval County tested positive for rabies, marking the ninth confirmed animal rabies case in New Mexico in 2026. The bat was found inside a private home, euthanized and tested by the NMDOH Scientific Laboratory Division. NMDOH said people and animals exposed to the bat are receiving postexposure vaccines.
According to NMDOH, New Mexico’s confirmed rabies cases this year have included two skunks and a dog from Curry County, three bats from Los Alamos and Sandoval counties, two bobcats from Sierra County and one fox from McKinley County.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that affects mammals and is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.
In New Mexico, rabies is most often found in wildlife such as foxes, skunks, bobcats and bats. NMDOH reported 13 confirmed rabid animals in 2025 and 12 in 2024.
“Rabies is nearly 100% fatal, but 100% preventable,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH. “State law requires all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies must be euthanized or isolated for four months to prevent human exposure.”
Residents should not pick up bats, touch them with bare hands or allow pets to interact with them. NMDOH says people who have direct contact with a bat, wake up to find a bat in their room, or cannot reliably say whether contact with a bat occurred should receive rabies vaccination.
Rabid wild animals may act unusually. They may show no fear of people, act aggressive, or appear quiet and tame.
NMDOH recommends keeping pets current on rabies vaccinations, avoiding wild or unfamiliar animals, teaching children not to touch wild animals, and washing any bite or saliva exposure immediately with soap and water before seeking medical attention.
Anyone who sees a sick wild animal or a wild animal acting abnormally should report it to local animal control or the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish at 888248-6866.
Physicians or veterinarians who suspect plague should report it to the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE, or 1833-796-8773. Residents may also call that number to report rabies exposure or an animal bite. Questions may also be texted to NMDOH at 66364.
More information, including English and Spanish fact sheets, is available through NMDOH at nmhealth.org.