The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) confirmed the state's first case of rabies in 2026 after a bobcat in Sierra County tested positive for the disease. The animal, also known as a wildcat, bay lynx or red lynx, attacked several dogs. All dogs involved were up to date on their rabies vaccinations but were administered booster treatments. Two humans who may have been exposed to the infected bobcat are receiving post-exposure rabies vaccines. The state law requires rabies for all pet cats and dogs and unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies must be euthanized or isolated for four months to prevent human exposure.