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(DSHS | CONTRIBUTED PHOTO) The city of Graham’s animal control office has documented four cases of rabies from skunks within the city limits. Shown is a Texas Department of State Health Services map with laboratory confirmed cases of rabies in wildlife.
The city of Graham’s animal control office has documented four cases of rabies from skunks within the city limits.
As of Thursday, April 24, one skunk with rabies was located on the southwest side of the city, two were located on the southeast side of the city and was located central in the city.
The city is advising pet owners to check the vaccination records on all of their animals. The city requires all pets to get annual vaccinations against rabies.
“This will be strongly enforced in the interest of public safety,” City Manager Eric Garretty said in a release. “Citizens are also reminded to not leave pet food outdoors overnight, do not approach any wild animal or domestic animal that you do not know, and report any strange animal behavior to Graham Animal Control.”
The city manager stated that the city is working with the Texas Department of State Health Services to mitigate the situation.
“Animal Control will be utilizing traps to target the skunk population within the city,” Garretty said. “Please do not disturb any traps set out by the city.”
Texas periodically experiences outbreaks of rabies in skunks, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The state department suggests not handling any wildlife, regardless of appearing healthy or sick, and teaching children to never touch wildlife. Rabies is transmitted through saliva, typically in bites.
“If you or pet get bitten, immediately wash the wound with soap and water,” DSHS states in its website. “Seek medical assistance as soon as possible to determine whether treatment is needed to prevent rabies. Once symptoms of rabies begin, the disease is fatal.”
