The St. Mary’s Health Department confirms a skunk involved in a bite to a human has tested positive for rabies. The incident occurred the afternoon of June 14, 2012 at a food service establishment in California, Maryland.
The skunk is the sixth animal from St. Mary’s County this year confirmed through laboratory testing to have rabies. Three raccoons and two other skunks involved in contact with owned animals have been confirmed as rabid since January 1. Fourteen animals from St. Mary’s County were confirmed to have rabies in 2011 including two raccoons, five skunks, four foxes and three cats.
Rabies is a potentially fatal virus that is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. Exposure may occur through a bite, scratch or contact with saliva to broken skin or mucous membranes such as the eyes or nose. All animal bites or exposures should be reported promptly to allow for appropriate rabies prevention measures.
The St. Mary’s County Health Department urges residents to practice rabies protection this summer and throughout the year by vaccinating their pets and avoiding contact with wild animals that display unusual or aggressive behavior.
Vaccination of pets is a first line of defense against rabies. Pet owners are encouraged to review the shot records of their pets with a veterinarian. The St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League holds rabies vaccine clinics monthly through November. The next clinic is scheduled for Monday, July 9, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds in Leonardtown. The cost is $10 per pet vaccinated.
To report a bite by any animal, contact the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008.
