TERRELL, Texas — A skunk tested positive for rabies in Terrell on Wednesday, according to a release from the City of Terrell Animal Control Department earlier today.
TERRELL, Texas — A skunk tested positive for rabies in Terrell on Wednesday, according to a release from the City of Terrell Animal Control Department earlier today.
Animal control officers are asking citizens to be on heightened awareness for animals exhibiting rabies-like behavior.
On Wednesday, April 18, 2017, at approximately 11 a.m., the City of Terrell Animal Control Department was notified of a skunk attacking a dog in the 1300 block of South Medora Street on the city’s south side.
“Animal control arrived on scene shortly thereafter and shot the skunk with a tranquilizer dart,” stated the release. “The head of the skunk was immediately sent to Texas A&M University for analysis.”
The dog was placed in protective quarantine, per state law, according to the release, for what could be up to 90 days and will undergo a series of rabies vaccinations and booster shots.
A preliminary notice indicated the skunk tested positive for rabies and the department is now awaiting more results from the State of Texas’ Zoonosis Division. Those results are expected later today.
“It is highly unusual for a well skunk to be seen by humans during the daytime,” stated the release. “Daytime observations, coupled with suspicious behavior, such as walking "drunk," are classic indications of a developing rabies problem.”
Citizens are asked to call-in and report any suspicious acting wild animal or stray dog to the Animal Control Department at (972) 551-6641.
“Animal Control Officers want to remind citizens we are approaching warmer weather and the ‘season’ for ill, wild animals to be out and about,” stated the release.
“Keep children and pets away from any wild animal,” stated the release. “Always remember, some of these animals may appear ‘cute,’ but they are wild and can hurt human beings very quickly.”
The last reported rabies incident in Terrell was in February 2015.
“The dog in question was not registered with the City’s Animal Control Department and has not receive a rabies vaccination in over 4 years,” stated the release. “The owner of the dog is being cited for No Pet Registration and No Rabies Vaccination.”
For more information on the Animal Control Department or the Animal Adoption Center, visit their Facebook Page, here.
