Which animals had the highest number of rabies diagnoses in the U.S. in 2015?

The option identifying raccoons, bats, and skunks as having the highest number of rabies diagnoses in the U.S. in 2015 is correct because these species are commonly associated with wildlife rabies. Raccoons are known to be significant reservoirs for the rabies virus in certain areas, particularly in the eastern United States. Bats are also a major source of rabies transmissions, as they can carry the virus without showing symptoms. Skunks, similar to raccoons, are another important wildlife vector for rabies.

Data from health agencies indicate that the majority of rabies cases reported in the U.S. each year are in wildlife, and specifically, these three animals consistently account for a substantial proportion of cases. In contrast, options suggesting cattle, horses, or livestock focus on groups that have historically shown lower rabies incidence rates when compared to these wildlife species. Domestic cats also have rabies cases reported, but the numbers are significantly lower than those of the wildlife groups mentioned. Thus, the dominance of raccoons, bats, and skunks in rabies case numbers in 2015 reflects their status as primary carriers of the disease.