2002 was a bad year for rabies, but 2009 is worse, said Lt. Jose Pena, supervisor of Santa Cruz County Animal Control. His officers have found 34 infected animals in the county this year, surpassing the record of 32 rabies cases in 2002.

“We have never seen an outbreak of this magnitude in our area,” Pena said. “The risk of exposure to an animal with rabies is extremely high.”

Sometimes a dog will tangle with an infected skunk and get bitten, Pena said. “Make sure that pets are currently vaccinated against rabies.”

Here are the latest cases:

Aug. 31 - A dog on Harshaw Creek Road in Patagonia killed a skunk that later tested positive for rabies. The dog is on a 45-day quarantine.

Sept. 10 - A bat was found on the ground at the Patagonia Lake Store.

Sept. 11 - A skunk was found outside an apartment on McNab Drive in Nogales.

Sept. 15 - A skunk exposed three dogs on Calle Iglesia in Tubac. One dog is under a 45-day quarantine, but two unvaccinated dogs were euthanized.

Sept. 18 - A skunk killed several chickens on Hudgins Street in Nogales.

The 34 infected animals included 27 skunks, 3 bats, 2 horses, one coyote and one cow, Pena said. Eleven of the animals were found in Nogales, seven in Rio Rico, seven outside of Patagonia, four in Ruby, two in the Patagonia Lake area, and one each in Sonoita, Tubac and Kino Springs.

“We ask that parents talk to their children on the dangers of touching any animal, dead or alive,” Pena said. “Do not leave your pet’s food outside, which will attract wildlife.”

To report suspicious wildlife, call Animal Control at (520) 761-7860.