DSHS CONFIRMS A SKUNK SPECIMEN HAS RETURNED FROM THE LAB AS ‘POSITIVE’ FOR RABIES.
DSHS has notified the Abernathy LCRA / Animal Control Department, a skunk specimen submitted by Dr. Hill Vet’s Clinic for rabies testing, has returned POSITIVE for Rabies. This is the first case of Rabies reported within the City of Abernathy or it’s surrounding area.
The specimen was submitted following a report of the skunk attacking a domestic dog in it’s own kennel. The Skunk was euthanized, sent off to the lab, where it tested positive for Rabies. The Dog is still under observation. Precautionary measures must be taken to prevent to further spread of this disease.
City of Abernathy’s LCRA and the Code Enforcement Animal Control Department cautions all citizens of the dangers of rabies; Rabies has a 98% mortality rate in humans, and is mostly transmitted by wild life, skunks, bats, racoons, or domestic animal that came in contact with an infected animal.
Please remember, per State Law, all domestic animals MUST be vaccinated by a veterinarian at 4 months of age to prevent the rabies disease.
Please DO NOT attempt to touch, house, feed, or handle any wild life. Report any observations of nocturnal animals during the day to the City of Abernathy Code Enforcement and Animal Control Department at 806-801-2700 or 806-298-2546.
Please DO NOT attempt to harbor Stray cats or dogs. Please notify Animal Control of any loose dogs within the City limits.
Most importantly, treat all animals that are unknown to you or your home as potential carriers for a deadly disease, and call Animal Control to remove them from your home.
for more information visit: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.dshs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/grandrounds/Rabies-Prevention-in-Texas.pdf
or
https://www.cdc.gov/rabies
