The animal control bureau Thursday seized two skunks near San
Juan Bautista that turned out to have rabies, and one of them bit 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.
The animal control bureau Thursday seized two skunks near San Juan Bautista that turned out to have rabies, and one of them bit 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. Thursday, 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, but was bitten by the animal, confirmed police Sgt. David Westrick.
The resident’s medical status, meanwhile, is unclear at this point while the county health department is checking on it. After the incident, animal control took that skunk and sent it for testing, which came back positive for rabies, according to police.
People who are bitten by an animal with rabies must seek medical attention to prevent from contracting the disease, as it is extremely rare to survive the ailment once getting it.
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.
Residents may call the Hollister Animal Shelter at (831) 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.
Look back for more.
