Decline in Mass. animals testing positive for rabies

BOSTON—State health officials have reported a decline over the past three years in the number of animals in Massachusetts testing positive for rabies.

The drop is attributed to several factors, including better vaccination of pets and timelier reporting of wild animals suspected of being rabid.

The state Department of Public Health on Monday declared May as Rabies Awareness Month in Massachusetts.

Since 1992, more than 5,000 wild animals and domesticated pets have tested positive for rabies, a disease that can be fatal if transmitted to humans.

The DPH says a total of 152 animals tested positive in 2007, down from 329 in 2005.

Seven cats and one dog have tested positive for the disease so far in 2008.