07/16/2026
Important Information from the Montana Dept. of Livestock. Please Read!
Montana Department of Livestock Asks Pet Owners To Be Aware of the Risk of Rabies From Wildlife Encounters
HELENA, Mont. – With the arrival of summer and increased wildlife activity, the Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) is experiencing a high number of reports of domestic animal encounters with wildlife species that may carry rabies. Rabies is a fatal viral disease of mammals and is spread through contact with the saliva of an infected animal – typically through a bite or scratch. In Montana, rabies is most frequently found in bats and skunks with occasional cases in domestic animals.
Exposure to rabies typically involves an encounter between people and/or their pets and a wild animal. The only way to test for rabies is by submitting the whole brain of an animal to DOL’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Bozeman. Unfortunately, wildlife that have contact with domestic animals are not always available for testing. Therefore, increased awareness and vigilance are advised. Vaccination of pets and livestock against rabies is highly effective at preventing the disease and helps reduce the risk of human exposure to the rabies virus.
Since July of 2025, there have been 27 detections of rabies in Montana, all of which have been in bats. Most of these detections have occurred in the western half of the state, but the disease is known to occur statewide. In 2026, there have been three rabies detections in the state thus far – one in Flathead County in May, one in Gallatin County in June, and one in Yellowstone County in early July. In all cases, humans and/or pets were exposed and rabies preventive measures were recommended. Detections are expected to continue throughout the summer and into fall.
Residents should check the rabies vaccination status of all animals and report any contact between a pet and a wild animal, including skunks and bats, to their veterinarian or DOL to ensure potential rabies exposures are assessed for risk and managed accordingly.
“It is important to remain vigilant, reduce exposure to wildlife, and ensure pets are up to date on their rabies vaccine,” said Dr. Emily Kaleczyc, DOL assistant state veterinarian.
DOL strongly encourages suspected animals be submitted for rabies testing to make the best recommendations and provide increased surveillance for the state. In the event pets or livestock are exposed or display signs consistent with rabies, please alert DOL as soon as possible. For exposures involving humans, contact your local public health authority or the Department of Public Health and Human Services. If you or someone you know is bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and consult a doctor right away.
To protect yourself, your family and pets against rabies:
- Keep all animals up to date on rabies vaccination.
- Keep garbage in tight containers to avoid attracting animals such as skunks, raccoons and foxes.
- Avoid nocturnal animals that are active during the day.
- Avoid domestic animals acting aggressively and wild animals that seem unafraid.
- Contact your local animal control agency if you see an animal behaving suspiciously.
- Contact your veterinarian if any of your animals are behaving abnormally. Animals with rabies can present with a variety of clinical signs, ranging from lethargy to aggression.
- Historical data on rabies distribution in Montana can be found here on the DOL website.
The mission of the Montana Department of Livestock is to control and eradicate animal diseases, prevent the transmission of animal diseases to humans, and to protect the livestock industry from theft and predatory animals. For more information visit www.liv.mt.gov.
