Rabid Skunk Found In Assaria

KSAL Staff - Thu 10:02 PM 06/07/2012

A rabid skunk is found in the Saline County community of Assaria.

According to the Salina / Saline County Health Department, on Thursday a skunk from Saline County tested positive for rabies at the Kansas State University Rabies Laboratory. The skunk was submitted by the Salina Animal Shelter.

This is the 3nd confirmed rabies case in Saline County this year. The first case involved a rabid horse, and the second case was a rabid bat.

The skunk approached two young children and a dog in their yard in Assaria on Wednesday around noon. The children went inside the home, and the dog attacked the skunk. The skunk was taken to the Salina Animal Shelter to be sent to the KSU Veterinary Laboratory for testing. Positive results were reported today. The dog's immunizations were up-to-date, and the dog will be isolated and observed for 45 days.

Saline County residents should follow rabies prevention measures, including registering, licensing, and vaccinating all dogs and cats. Rabies vaccination should be given to pups and kittens at 4 months of age, and repeated as advised by the veterinarian. Periodic boosters are needed.

Assaria has a large population of feral cats. Children and adults should be warned not to approach the cats or other wild animals, even if they appear friendly. Do not leave food and water outside for pets or wild animals. Animals exhibiting unusual behavior should be avoided and reported to the Animal Shelter or local law enforcement.

The Animal Shelter loans out live animal traps to the public as needed.

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