4 cases of skunk rabies reported

Officials urge vaccinations for dogs and cats

Wichita County has already seen several positive cases of rabies in skunks this season, and health officials urge residents to take steps protect themselves and their pets from the deadly virus.

The Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District confirmed four cases of rabies in skunks since February. Two cases occurred in the northern part of the county and two were in the southern part.

The rabies virus spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, and both bites and scratches are a concern.

"Several dogs and horses without current rabies vaccinations came into contact with these skunks," Animal Services Administrator Katrena Mitchell said. "This caused the animals to either be euthanized or placed in isolation for up to 90 days depending on the level of contact with a rabid skunk. It's early in the season for us to be experiencing the number of positive specimens we have. We want everyone to be aware so they can protect themselves and their pets."

Steve Dodge, who is the animal control supervisor and rabies control authority for Wichita Falls and Wichita County, encouraged animal owners to make sure their animals' rabies vaccinations are up to date.

"City ordinance and state law requires anyone keeping or owning a dog or cat 16 weeks of age or older to have that animal vaccinated against rabies," he said. "Vaccinating your pets may prevent the animal from being euthanized if it comes in comes in contact with a rabid animal."

Even a vaccinated animal can face quarantine following exposure to a rabid animal to watch for signs of rabies.

There are risks in rural areas and in a city. You don't always have a lot of control over the situation once an animal goes outside, Dr. Don Morris, a veterinarian with Fellhauer & Morris, said.

Many vaccines for pets and livestock will protect the animals from illnesses such as parvo in dogs or sleeping sickness in horses, but the rabies vaccine is a key step in guarding public health, Morris said. It protects the animals as well as their human family. In Texas, a puppy should be vaccinated when it is old enough and then again a year later; after that, the three-year vaccine can be used.

"The rabies vaccines are incredibly effective," said Dr. James Spears of Callfield Companion Animal Clinic. The vaccines strive to save dogs and cats, but public health is really the reason behind the approach that's taken to rabies, he said.

Precautions are necessary because the illness is so serious, Morris said. Post-exposure treatment can help keep things from escalating to a deadly point, but once symptoms begin, there is really nothing that will help, he said.

"Rabies of course is almost 100 percent fatal when humans get it," Spears said.

Skunks are a main vector of rabies, he said.

"A lot of people don't realize there are skunks that live in all of our housing areas right in the middle of town," he said. It's not safe to assume you won't see them because you don't live in the country. "They're definitely here."

Dodge also urged animal owners not to leave pet food outside. Presence of pet food could draw high-risk animals including skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes and bats.

"This can increase a pet's chance of being exposed to rabies," Dodge said.

If you see a skunk, bat or raccoon that is active during the day or seems to be sick, fearless or aggressive, you should contact Animal Control right away at 940-761-7824.

Animal Services asks residents not to capture or shoot the animal. An animal cannot be tested for rabies if it has been shot in the head.

If you are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, you should wash the area with soap and water and see your doctor right away.


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Comments » 2

RiderRaider writes:

What the difference between skunk rabies and dog and cat rabies?? :)

Coffeelover22 writes:

A dog or cat will catch rabies from a skunk by being biten by that skunk.
Then that dog or cat will usually bite a human.
I don't think there is any difference.I can't answer where it originates from
