BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Department of Health confirmed rabies in a dog in Acadiana on Friday, making it the first confirmed case in a Louisiana dog since 2014.

While rabies in dogs is rare, the virus is most commonly found in wildlife, specifically within bats and skunks. Other animals can become infected when they interact with rabid wild animals. 

Louisiana law requires dogs, cats and ferrets over three months old to be vaccinated against rabies. 

The Department of Health advised owners that if a pet is exposed to an animal that may have rabies, they should immediately contact a veterinarian, local animal control or public health authorities. 

Anyone who comes into contact with a potentially rabid animal should immediately wash the exposed area thoroughly with soap and water before contacting a health care provider or public health professional.

Louisiana has confirmed an average of about six rabies-positive animals each year since 2000.