Final answer:
The common reservoirs for the rabies virus are raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, with skunks being a correct answer. Widespread vaccination and control measures have reduced human transmission risks in many countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question "What animal is a common reservoir for the rabies virus?" is c) Skunk. The most familiar reservoirs for the rabies virus, specifically in the United States, include wild animals like raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes. These species collectively accounted for 92.6% of all animal rabies cases in the United States in 2014. It is important to note that domesticated animals such as dogs and cats also play a role in rabies transmission, but control measures like widespread vaccination and quarantine protocols have greatly reduced the risk of human infection in many countries.
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