Skunk tests positive for rabies

SMITH COUNTY – A dead skunk has tested positive for rabies after it came in contact with at least one dog, according to Smith County Animal Control, and our news partner, KETK. Officials said the skunk had been in direct contact with at least one dog, but may have come in contact with as many as three dogs. The skunk’s body was submitted to the state laboratory for rabies testing in Austin, and Smith County was informed about the positive result on Thursday. The dead skunk was reported on Monday. Animal control officers responded to the location of the dead skunk, and took its body for local testing.

“The dogs known to have been exposed are being managed in accordance with Texas law and guidance from public health officials,” animal control officials said.

According to a paper in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s journal, the Texas Department of State Health Services has developed policies for how to handle both vaccinated and unvaccinated animals that have been exposed to rabies.

Animals vaccinated against rabies are either given an immediate booster and confined in isolation for 45 days to see if they develop rabies symptoms or they’re euthanized.

Unvaccinated animals are given a post-exposure prophylaxis vaccine and confined for 90 days before getting booster vaccines at three and eight weeks of confinement, or euthanized as well.

“This event serves as a reminder that, while rare, rabies remains present in East Texas. Keeping pets vaccinated and reporting potential exposures remain the most effective ways to protect your family and your animals,” said officials.

If humans contract rabies from an animal’s bite or saliva, the condition is fatal if they don’t get treatment as soon as possible. Smith County reminds residents to follow these steps to help prevent the spread of rabies:

Keep dogs, cats, and ferrets current on their rabies vaccinations,
Do not allow pets to interact with wildlife, whether the animal is alive or deceased,
Avoid handling wild animals whenever possible,
If a person or pet has been bitten, scratched, or has had direct contact with a wild mammal that could carry rabies, contact animal control as soon as possible for evaluation.
Promptly report potential exposures to allow public health officials and veterinarians to determine the appropriate course of action in protecting both people and animals.