|
October
25, 2007
Little
Rock --
Six rabid skunks have been reported already this year in Logan County, and that’s cause for concern, according to Susan Weinstein, DVM, State Public Health Veterinarian for the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). It’s not just the number of skunks, however, but the fact that there has been a rabid dog reported that has made a difference to officials in the county and at ADH.
“We have several rabid skunks reported in Logan County almost every year—there is just a lot of rabies up here in this part of the state,” Dr. Weinstein said. “But when we cross the line into the domestic animal population, there is a greater risk to the public, and we need to take some action. This is the first report of a rabid dog in the state this year.”
The Health Department is advising residents to watch out for odd behavior in any wildlife, but especially skunks. Skunks are night-time creatures and aren’t usually seen during the daylight hours. They are ordinarily reclusive, so any aggressive behavior such as approaching other animals or people would be unusual. Other behavior such as limping, wobbling, or unsteady movement might indicate that the skunk was sick.
According to Weinstein, many residents of Logan County are well aware of the problem, and perhaps do a better job than folks in other places in the state of reporting the presence of rabid skunks. Rabies can occur anywhere in the state and is present primarily in skunks and bats. “There is a particular strain of the rabies virus that affects raccoons, but we don’t currently have that in Arkansas,” Weinstein said. “However, if the population of rabid skunks is high, the raccoons will also be exposed.”
Weinstein says there’s no way to control the skunks, or where they might go. “There are things we can do, though,” she said. “Despite the relatively high awareness in the county, and the presence of two veterinarians who do annual rabies vaccination clinics, we must increase the number of vaccinations of dogs and cats to maintain the barrier between rabies in wildlife and humans.”
State law requires annual vaccination of dogs and cats by a licensed vet. Over-the-counter rabies vaccines are not recognized as legal vaccines. If exposed to rabies through contact with a rabid skunk, the law also requires that unvaccinated dogs or cats be euthanized or isolated for six months. Vaccinated dogs or cats must be isolated for three months.
ADH officials are urging area residents to make sure that dogs and cats have been vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian to protect them from rabies. Make sure any animal bites are checked by a doctor.
“We always want to question children carefully about any possible animal bites and warn them about approaching wild animals,” Weinstein said.
Who gets rabies?
Any mammal can get rabies. Skunks, raccoons, foxes, bats, dogs, and cats can get rabies. Cattle, horses and humans can also get rabies. Only mammals can get rabies. Animals that are not mammals—such as birds, snakes, and fish—do not get rabies.
How does an animal get rabies?
Rabies is caused by a virus. An animal gets rabies from saliva, usually by being bitten by an animal that has the disease, or by ingesting infected brain or spinal cord tissue. You cannot get rabies from blood, urine, feces or skunk spray.
How do you know if an animal has rabies?
Animals with rabies may act differently from healthy animals. Wild animals may move slowly or may act as if they are tame. A pet that is usually friendly may snap at you or may try to bite. Some signs of rabies in animals are:
- changes in an animal’s behavior
- general sickness
- problems swallowing
- increased drooling
- aggression
Can rabies be prevented?
Yes. Rabies can be prevented by rabies vaccine and thorough cleaning of the wound. If you are bitten by an animal, clean the bite wound with soap and water and see a doctor.
How can I prevent rabies?
- Vaccinate your dogs, cats, and ferrets against rabies.
- Keep your pets under supervision.
- Do not handle wild animals. If you see a wild animal or a stray, especially if the animal is acting strangely, call an animal control officer.
- If you do get bitten by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water for at least five minutes. See a doctor immediately.
- Get your pets spayed or neutered. Pets that are ‘fixed’ are less likely to leave home and interact with wildlife.
For more information on rabies, visit the ADH website at www.healthyarkansas.com or go to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Protection website at: http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/ .
### |
