NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Health Department is reminding pet owners to vaccinate their animals for rabies after two rabid dogs were recently confirmed in Middle Tennessee.

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, one puppy died in Wilson County in February. A second dog was submitted for testing in February from DeKalb County. Both dogs had a strain of rabies found in skunks, meaning they were likely infected after being bitten by skunks.

Rabies is nearly always fatal, but illness can be prevented in humans by prompt vaccination before symptoms develop.

Vaccination of dogs and cats is required by Tennessee law, and many local health departments work with veterinarians to provide low-cost vaccination clinics. A list of local health departments in available at tn.gov/health/topic/localdepartments.