Skunk tests positive for rabies

DEERFIELD, N.Y. » A dog is being quarantined in Oneida County due to contact with a skunk that tested positive for rabies.

The dog and skunk came into contact on Monday, April 2. The skunk later tested positive for rabies.

No human exposures occurred as a result.

Once infected, rabies is a virus that has a 100 percent fatality rate when left untreated in mammals, including humans. Public health recommends the following precautions to protect yourself and your family from possible exposure to rabies:

• Report any sick or strange acting wildlife

• Vaccinate pets and livestock. New York state law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age. Vaccinating domestic animal not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people.

• Vaccination is also recommended for livestock with frequent human contact.

• Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.

• Do not feed strays.

• Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or

domestic, especially if it is acting in a strange or unusual manner.

• Report all animal bites and any contact with bats to the Health Department in your county. Human rabies can be prevented after exposure by administering a series of shots.

• Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside.

• Children should be instructed to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal.

• If an unvaccinated pet comes in contact with rabid or suspected rabies the pet must be quarantined for six months. • Vaccinated pets that come in contact with rabid or suspected rabies animal must be given a booster rabies vaccination within five days of the contact.

Be careful when “rescuing” stray cats or dogs. Stay away fromstrays. Even professionals need to be cautious around strays and feral cats, and make sure pets, even cats, are current with their rabies shots.

The Oneida County Health Department has their next Rabies Clinic on April 9 at the Camden Fire- house from 5-7 p.m.

For additional information, visit www.ocgov.net/ health or www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html