The animal control bureau Oct. 1 seized two skunks near San Juan
Bautista that turned out to have rabies, and one of them was killed
by a female resident trying to fend it away from her two dogs,
according to the Hollister Police Department, which oversees the
county’s animal control services.
At about 9 a.m. Oct. 1, Hollister Police Department animal
control officers were dispatched to 3200 Monte Bello Drive in San
Benito County for a report of a possible sick or injured skunk.
Officers located and impounded the skunk, which was euthanized,
according to police. The skunk later tested positive for rabies,
while no known animals or people were exposed to this skunk.
The animal control bureau Oct. 1 seized two skunks near San Juan Bautista that turned out to have rabies, and one of them was killed by a female resident trying to fend it away from her two dogs, according to the Hollister Police Department, which oversees the county’s animal control services.
At about 9 a.m. Oct. 1, Hollister Police Department animal control officers were dispatched to 3200 Monte Bello Drive in San Benito County for a report of a possible sick or injured skunk. Officers located and impounded the skunk, which was euthanized, according to police. The skunk later tested positive for rabies, while no known animals or people were exposed to this skunk.
Later that same day, at about 11:15 a.m., officers were dispatched to 455 Mission Vineyard Road in the San Juan Bautista area on a report that a skunk had attacked two dogs and a resident. The resident killed the skunk in self-defense, according to authorities.
After the incident, animal control took that skunk and sent it for testing, which came back positive for rabies, according to police.
Animal Control is advising all pet owners to vaccinate their pets, including dogs and cats, against rabies. Only a licensed veterinarian can administer an anti-rabies vaccination. Low-cost rabies vaccination clinics are held each week in San Benito County.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal, according to the county health department. It infects the central nervous system, causing encephalopathy and ultimately death. Once symptoms develop, rabies is fatal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.
Rabies can be transmitted through the saliva of an animal or human into a break in the skin or through a mucous membrane. However, it is important to realize that a bite need not occur for the rabies virus to be transmitted.
Domestic animals, including our own companion dogs and cats are at risk for rabies in San Benito County, which is why the county ordinance requires all dogs and cats over four months of age be vaccinated against rabies and dogs be licensed. Having a currently licensed dog ensures that it has been properly vaccinated. Domestic animals are at increased risk of rabies if they are not protected by a rabies vaccination, and if they are allowed contact with wildlife, according to the health department.
In addition to ensuring pets have been properly vaccinated and licensed, residents are advised to discourage wildlife from roaming near by not leaving pet food outside at night and properly securing trash containers. Feeding of wildlife, with the exception of bird feeders, is discouraged.
Avoid contact with wildlife at all times and if you think you or your pets have been exposed to rabies, contact San Benito County Public Health Services, Environmental Health Department immediately at 636-4035.
For more information about rabies visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.
Residents may call the Hollister Animal Shelter at 636-4320 for information on the dates and times of the clinics. Anyone suspecting an animal to be infected is urged contact animal control or law enforcement immediately.
