CDC Rabies Advisory: Massachusetts Pet Vaccine Laws & Safety

Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Advisory in response to an increase in reports of rabies activity in animals and associated human exposures. According to their statement, reports of animal exposures in the U.S. increased during the summer of 2026.

Dr. Johnny Lieberman joined us for last week’s Wet Nose Wednesday segment to talk about rabies. As an infectious disease physician with a degree in animal law, Dr. Lieberman educates the public about human health, animal welfare, and public health. He hosts the podcast Puppies, Pandemics and Public Health and is an author and speaker.

“Rabies is what’s called a zoonosis,” said Lieberman. “Which means it’s a disease of animals that has spilled over into humans and can actually cause human infection.”

Understanding Rabies Transmission and Symptoms

Dr. Lieberman explained that rabies is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, and it’s not just their bites to worry about. Scratches can also expose you to saliva.

“It is almost always fatal unless medical care is administered promptly to a person who has been exposed and infected,” said Lieberman. “It’s important that treatment be administered before symptoms start.”

Common Rabies Carriers in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, wildlife commonly associated with rabies include skunks, raccoons, and bats, according to Lieberman. A CDC data visualization maps the U.S. and shows common rabies carriers by location.

Massachusetts Pet Vaccination Laws and Prevention

To keep pets safe from the virus, Lieberman emphasized the importance of keeping them up to date on rabies vaccinations, which, as he explained, some pets must have by law. “In the state of Massachusetts, the state statute mandates that every owner of a dog, cat, or ferret over six months of age must have their pets vaccinated,” said Lieberman. “That is to protect animals, but also to protect the pet owners.”

What to Do If You Encounter Abnormally Behaving Wildlife

Lieberman explained that you can’t diagnose an animal by observing its behavior and that you should contact your local Animal Control Officer if you see a wild animal behaving abnormally. Staying away from wildlife and reporting concerns to authorities helps keep everyone safe. “Let wildlife stay wild,” said Lieberman. “Keep your pets away. Keep yourself away for your protection and the animals’.”

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides information about rabies for the public on its website along with links for veterinarians and health providers. There’s also a fact sheet with more information about prevention available.

Listen to the Complete Interview with Dr. Lieberman

Melissa Viera is the owner of MJ's Pet Training Academy in Acushnet.

Animals in Which Rabies is Most Commonly Found

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in North America rabies is most commonly found in bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and mongoose. It is also found in cats, cattle, and dogs. The CDC says that rabid bats have been found in every state except for Hawaii. Rabid mongoose have been found in Puerto Rico.

Rabies is easily transmitted from animals to other animals, including human beings. Human cases are rare in the United States, but deadly if not caught in time.

Gallery Credit: Kristine Bellino

Source: The Surprising Reason Rabies Exposure Reports Are Rising This Year

Filed Under: dogs, pets, rabies, Wet Nose Wednesday

Categories: Animals, Articles