MACOMB COUNTY (WWJ) - Residents in Macomb County are being told to take precautions for themselves and their pets after a trio of rabid skunks were discovered across two townships.
Officials with the Macomb County Health Department said that two skunks "recently found" within three miles of each other in Macomb Township tested positive for the virus, which attacks the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death.
A third case of rabies was also identified in a skunk from Clinton Township.
Officials said all three wild animals came into contact with family pets -- they were all successfully captured, euthanized and tested.
"Given the proximity of the subject skunks, residents are strongly encouraged to take caution for themselves and their pets when they see a skunk due to the possibility of localized transmission," the health department stated.
Rabies is a fatal, but preventable disease. In the U.S., officials said the virus can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by an infected animal, such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
Although the only way to confirm rabies is by performing laboratory testing on the brain of a deceased patient, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there are symptoms that residents can monitor for in wildlife.
Animals with rabies can first experience lethargy along with vomiting and anorexia.
As the disease progresses, the following symptoms can be observed:
• Cerebral dysfunction
• Cranial nerve dysfunction
• Ataxia
• Weakness
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excessive salivation
• Abnormal behavior
• Aggression
• Self-mutilation
The best way to keep you and your pets safe is by staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start. According to the CDC, other precautions people can take to avoid exposure include:
For People:
- Leave all wildlife alone.
- Wash animal bites or scratches immediately with soap and water.
- If you are bitten, scratched or unsure, talk to a health care provider about whether you need treatment. Rabies in people is 100% preventable through prompt appropriate medical care.
- Vaccinate your pets to protect them and your family.
For Pets:
- Visit your veterinarian with your pet on a regular basis and keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all cats, ferrets and dogs.
- Maintain control of your pets by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and keeping dogs under direct supervision.
- Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or vaccinated regularly.
- Call animal control to remove all stray animals from your neighborhood since these animals may be unvaccinated or ill.
For more information on the rabies virus, visit cdc.gov.rabies.
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