Dog Rabies Found In US: Adopted Pet Positive For Disease, Euthanized

A public health investigation has been launched across several states after an imported rescue dog was found to have rabies.

Health officials are looking closely into possible cases of rabies after a dog that arrived in the U.S. from Azerbaijan contracted the disease. The dog flew with 32 other dogs and one cat sent by an animal rescue organization and landed at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago on June 10, local news outlet 6ABC reported.

The dog was adopted by a family in Chester County, Pennsylvania. But days after it found a new home, the dog started behaving strangely and was euthanized, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Public Health. It later tested positive for rabies.

"Sometimes it's a behavioral change, sometimes it's paralysis, oftentimes it's not the typical Cujo where they become aggressive and try to bite everything," said Dr. Rob Mowday, a veterinarian at West Chester Animal Emergency.

Mowday told 6ABC that the canine variant of rabies has long been eradicated in the country. However, even though the variant has not been seen in the U.S. in 30 years, it is still prevalent in other countries. One of the challenges of detecting it is its long incubation period.

"It can take up to six months from the time the dog is infected before they begin to show signs. So sometimes they may have even gotten vaccinated during that time period," the veterinarian said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that the dog was infected with rabies before it arrived in the country. About 13 people are also known to have been exposed to the dog. An investigation is currently being conducted in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey and New York, the Associated Press reported.

This is the fourth incident of rabies in a dog imported into the U.S. since 2015, according to the AP. The three other incidents also involved rescue dogs, which arrived in the country with rabies vaccination certificates that were later determined to be fraudulent.

Mowday strongly recommended staying up to date on vaccine shots as this is the best way to protect both dogs and owners.

"That is the most important thing. The vaccines are very effective and when you vaccinate your pet, you also protect yourself," he said.

Several pet owners who go to the West Goshen dog park with their furry companions were also concerned upon finding out that a dog had tested positive for rabies and highlighted the importance of vaccination.

"It's critical. I want her to be around as long as possible. She's part of the family," Danny Reiner from Exton was quoted by 6ABC as saying of getting vaccines for his dog.