Rabid Moose Found in Alaska, First Ever Case in North America

A bull moose.Photo byWikimedia

A rabid moose was discovered in a Northwest Alaskan community, marking the first case of its kind in the state and North America overall.

The incident has prompted Alaska officials to increase rabies surveillance.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game received reports about a moose in Teller, a community located approximately 70 miles northwest of Nome.

It was drooling and being very aggressive towards people and it was wobbly, unstable on its legs. That was very unusual behavior.- Kimberlee Beckmen, Wildlife Veterinarian, Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Concerned by the moose's aggressive behavior and signs indicative of rabies, the Fish and Game staff euthanized the animal.

Subsequent tests by the Alaska State Virology Laboratory confirmed the presence of the rabies virus in the moose's brain.

Although initial reports suggested other cases of rabid moose in North America, the department corrected the information, clarifying that the only known cases have been reported in Europe.

Officials believe the moose contracted rabies from a fox, as it had a wound from a fox bite.

Rabies is commonly found in red and Arctic foxes in Alaska, with outbreaks occurring annually among fox populations in various regions. While the virus can infect and is fatal for humans, the number of reported cases in the United States is typically low.

Following this unprecedented case, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game plans to increase rabies surveillance by testing all dead or euthanized wild mammals in areas where rabies is prevalent among foxes.

Officials encouraged individuals to report any dead mammals or mammals showing signs of rabies and highlighted the importance of vaccinating pets against the virus. Precautions were also advised for hunters and those handling game meat.