Rabies Prevalence In Oregon

Courtesy of the Oregon Health Authority - Oct 2025

POSTED ON 2025-11-05

Based on information provided to us by the Oregon State Veterinarian, the only documented case of Rabies in the Portland-Metro area is a bat that tested POSITIVE in Clackamas County in July 2025. There have been no documented cases in any of the surrounding metropolitan counties (Washington or Multnomah). 

An interesting fact: there have been a variety of other species (Bat, Fox, Cat, Coyote, and Skunk) that have all been tested or observed, the only other carrier noted currently within the state of Oregon is the FOX. There have been several cases in more rural (Southern) parts of Oregon where up to EIGHT foxes have tested positive this year alone!

No vaccine is 100% effective, but Rabies infection is extremely rare in vaccinated house pets. Vaccination efforts can provide protection for dogs and cats exposed to potentially rabid animals even if they are overdue for a Rabies booster vaccine.  Unvaccinated pets that are exposed to a potentially rabid animal will most likely be required to be quarantined for up to 4 months.  If a quarantine is not possible, then euthanasia will be recommended, and in some cases mandated by law.  As a friendly reminder, keeping your pet up to date on their Rabies vaccination is not only an Oregon state law, but keeps your family members safe, both two legged and four legged. Although cats are not required to get vaccinated or licensed for rabies in some counties, we still highly recommend it!

If you are interested in reading from the original source, here is the link:

https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/RABIES/Documents/rabiesmap25.pdf