Angels Camp, CA – A dog in Calaveras County has been infected with rabies following an interaction with a skunk.
The pooch in Angels Camp tested positive for the deadly disease after “possibly coming into contact with a skunk it was chasing on the property,” according to county public health and animal services officials. They are alerting the public that the skunk’s whereabouts are unknown and encourage residents to vaccinate their pets while also keeping them away from wild animals. Rabies is a deadly disease that affects the brain and is spread through an infected animal’s saliva, commonly through a bite or scratch.
Seven people are being treated with a post-exposure vaccine after contact with the dog or skunk, which health officials say is very effective in preventing rabies when started soon after exposure. While almost always fatal, it is preventable with quick action and proper medical care, advises Calaveras County Health Officer Dr. Rene Ramirez.
“If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, wash the wound with soap and water right away and seek medical care as soon as possible,” said Dr. Ramirez. “Do not wait to see if symptoms appear. Once rabies symptoms start, it is almost always too late to treat. Acting fast can save your life. The same urgency applies to your pets—an up-to-date rabies vaccine is the simplest thing you can do to protect your household.”
As we reported here back in February, skunk mating season began, and Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Animal Control (TCSAC) warned the public to be aware while outdoors, especially during dawn, dusk, and nighttime, and gave tips on how to spot rabid skunks.
Sadly, the dog was euthanized and tested. Health officials provided these signs of rabies in animals to watch for and how to protect against it:
- Aggressive or angry behavior, even with no clear reason
- Unusual tameness, or wild animals that seem to lose their fear of people
- Drooling, foaming at the mouth, or trouble swallowing
- Stumbling, trouble walking, or paralysis (often starting in the back legs)
- Seizures or shaking
- Strange or unusual sounds
- Wild animals such as skunks, bats, foxes, and raccoons that are out during the day
How to Protect Your Family and Pets:
- Keep your pets up to date on rabies vaccines. Vaccination is required by law for all dogs and cats, starting at three months of age.
- If an unvaccinated pet is exposed to a rabid animal, it must be either euthanized or kept in strict isolation for several months. Vaccinated pets are protected from this outcome.
- Make sure your pets wear tags on their collar that show they are vaccinated.
- Stay away from wild animals, both alive and dead. Teach your children to do the same.
- Do not feed wild animals or leave pet food outside, as this can attract them to your home.
- If your pet is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, call your veterinarian right away, even if the wound looks small.
- If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, wash the area with soap and water for several minutes, then get medical care as soon as you can.
- If you find a bat in a room where someone was sleeping or where a young child or pet was alone, contact your doctor. Bat bites can be very small and hard to see.
- Report the animal to Calaveras County Animal Services right away.
