Amador Public Health reports that three rabid
skunks in the Jackson
vicinity have been identified in the past two months. According to health
officials, this is a significant increase for the county. These 3 rabid skunks
were in close proximity to one another, indicating to health officials
that the general skunk population could be experiencing a rise in rabies. In these situations it is crucial that
domestic dogs and cats be up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Several dogs
and livestock have been exposed to these rabid skunks. “With only 2 rabid skunks reported in the past 10
years, we have concerns there are many more rabid skunks that we don’t know
about and there will be more potential opportunities for people and their
animals to be exposed,” says Dr. Robert Hartmann, Amador County Health
Officer. Prevention is the best weapon for protection against exposure to
rabies. Protection would include: keeping your dog and/or cat’s rabies vaccinations up to date,
avoiding exposure to wild animals for both yourself and your animals, and not
feeding wild animals and keeping your dog and cat feeding bowls away
from wild life access.
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