ROCHESTER HILLS (WWJ) - Officials are warning residents in Oakland County after a skunk in Lake Orion tested positive for rabies.
The Oakland County Health Division didn't give any further details about where the animal was found, but said human exposure to the skunk is unlikely.
Health officials urge residents to avoid stray, wild and dead animals to protect yourself against rabies.
"Rabies is a fatal disease and there is no known cure," Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County, said in a statement. "People and their pets are urged to avoid encounters with unfamiliar animals, and keep pets protected by getting them vaccinated."
The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals and is spread through bites or scratches. Rabies is not spread through a skunk's spray.
If a wild animal is found behaving strangely -- including having problems swallowing, exhibiting lots of drool or saliva, appearing tamer than you would expect, biting at everything, and having trouble moving or is paralyzed -- call the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center at 248-858-1070 for assistance.
If you or your household pet is bitten by any wild animal or an animal unknown to you, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical or veterinary attention immediately. To report an animal bite, call the Health Division at 248-858-1286.
Everyone can take simple steps to protect themselves from rabies:
- Do not handle stray, wild, or dead animals.
- Keep pets indoors or supervised to limit their exposure to wild animals that may be rabid.
- Use a leash when walking dogs or keep them in a fenced-in yard.
- Have pets vaccinated regularly. This will protect them if exposed to animals with the disease and prevent them from becoming ill and infecting humans.
- Do not feed or put water for pets outside.
- Keep garbage securely covered, as these items may attract wild or stray animals.
