Rabies Advisory in Smith County
Posted/updated on: November 17, 2011 at 5:44 pm
TYLER —The Texas Department of State Health Services has advised the Northeast Texas Public Health District that a skunk submitted for analysis tested positive for rabies. The skunk was found near 18000 County Road 4116 in the Lindale area on Tuesday. Officials say the known individuals with possible exposure have been identified and addressed. This is the first laboratory confirmed case of rabies in Smith County for 2011. Smith County had 1 rabid dog, 2 rabid skunks and six rabid bats reported last year. Officials say rabies remains a public health threat.
Citizens are advised not to handle bats, skunks, raccoons, or other wild animals. Officials say it is important for children to tell their parents of any contact with wild animals or any sick animals. Anyone who knows of a person being bitten by an animal must report the bite incident to the Smith County Rabies Control Authority for proper investigation.
The Smith County Rabies Control Authority advises all citizens to confirm that their dogs and cats are currently vaccinated for rabies. City of Tyler Ordinance and Smith County Ordinance require annual rabies vaccinations for all dogs and cats. According to officials, preventive immunization for rabies is the only effective defense against this always fatal disease. Anyone with questions on rabies control may contact City of Tyler Animal Control at 903-535-0045.
