"During the 192Os, a rabies epidemic swept across northern Nevada, decimating wildlife and livestock herds. This historic event is the background for acclaimed writer Robert Laxalt's brilliant new novella. Set on a sheep ranch in the desert foothills near Carson City, Time of the Rabies follows owner Pete Lorda and his family and ranch hands as the epidemic swirls around them, pulling humans and animals into an epic battle against an invisible but deadly foe.". "Beginning when a rabid bat bites a roving coyote, the epidemic spreads like wildfire through the local coyote population, and soon whole bands of rabid, maddened coyotes are attacking Lorda's sheep flocks. As he and his hands struggle to protect the sheep, the disease appears on the home ranch itself, infecting first valued animals and then some of the hands."--BOOK JACKET.