CDC Issues Rabies Advisory After 30% Staff Loss as U.S. Sees More Animal Cases
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 21
CDC Issues Rabies Advisory After 30% Staff Loss as U.S. Sees More Animal Cases
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 21
Summary
A national CDC advisory last month warned of local increases in human rabies exposures and rising use of post-exposure shots and antibody treatments.
Recent outbreaks put rabies back in focus, including rabid beavers at a Maryland state park, goat cases at a North Carolina petting zoo, and California’s record year for rabid bats.
No human rabies cases have been reported in 2026, and experts say it is still unclear whether the surge reflects a true rise in risk or better detection and awareness.
The response has been strained: the CDC has lost about 30% of its staff since last year, including much of its rabies team, and paused rabies testing for months this spring.