Health officials urge caution around wild animals in the
county
In the past two weeks, two rabid skunks were found in the Anzar
Hills area of San Benito County. In a press release County Health
Officer Elizabeth Falade put out a reminder that there is an
ongoing public health threat present in rabid wildlife in the
community.
Health officials urge caution around wild animals in the county
In the past two weeks, two rabid skunks were found in the Anzar Hills area of San Benito County. In a press release County Health Officer Elizabeth Falade put out a reminder that there is an ongoing public health threat present in rabid wildlife in the community.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that passes between mammals, and is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. It is transmitted through the saliva of an animal, and does not always require a bite to be transmitted. The disease infects the central nervous system, causing encephalopathy and death. Once symptoms develop, rabies is fatal. The majority of cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention each year occur in wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes.
Domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, are also at risk for rabies. A county ordinance requires all dogs and cats over the age of four months to be vaccinated against rabies. Dogs should also be licensed, which requires proof of a valid rabies vaccination.
Health officials also suggest that pet owners bring in pet food at night, and secure trash containers, to discourage wildlife from coming on their property. Feeding of wildlife, with the exception of bird feeders, is discouraged.
Anyone who thinks they or a pet may have been exposed to rabies are encouraged to call the San Benito County Public Health Services Environmental Health Department immediately at 636-4035.
For more information on rabies, visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov. For local health information, visit www.sanbenitoco.org.
