Rabid skunks found in Briggsville

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The second skunk from Yell County within the last 30 days has been confirmed rabid by the Arkansas Department of Health. The skunk charged a resident of Briggsville who was riding an ATV and began following him. The first skunk was discovered in early December in a dog pen attacking dogs. In both cases, several dogs were potentially exposed, and none was current on its rabies vaccinations. It is unclear whether or not other dogs, cats, horses or cattle may have also been exposed prior to the skunks being shot.

Susan Weinstein, DVM, state public health veterinarian for the ADH, said, “It is fortunate that no people were exposed to rabies from these skunks, but it is sad that so often citizens put off taking their pets to the veterinarian for rabies vaccinations. These pets will have to undergo a six month quarantine or isolation for rabies to make certain they are not going to come down with rabies.”

All dogs and cats in Arkansas are required to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. This not only protects the animal, but also acts as a barrier between the wildlife exposures of rabies and people, as pets are more likely to be exposed to a rabid skunk directly than are humans. Children especially should be reminded not to touch wild animals and to stay away from stray pets.

In 2011, Arkansas had 60 rabies positive animals, including 53 skunks, six bats, and one cat. Twenty-seven of the skunks were submitted from Sebastian County alone. The cases in Yell County are the first positive rabies in 2012.

Report all animal bites or contact with wild animals to your county local health unit. Do not let any animal escape that has possibly exposed someone to rabies. Depending on the species, an animal can be observed or tested for rabies in order to avoid the need for rabies treatment.

For more information, call the Yell County Health Unit at 479-229-3509 or Dr. Susan Weinstein, state public health veterinarian, at 501-280-4136.