AZ Game and Fish expands rabid skunk warning

PIMA COUNTY, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Pima County residents are advised to use caution when around wildlife after rabies was discovered in four skunks this month, said Arizona Game and Fish officials.

A skunk was killed on Sunday, April 24 by two dogs that tested positive for rabies. The animal was killed at South Sonoita Highway and Sahuarita Road, quite a distance from the Oro Valley warning issued earlier this week. The dogs, which had been vaccinated against rabies, are being home quarantined.

There are several other cases of rabid skunks, according to Game and Fish officials. The first was removed from the area near East Summerhaven and North Sabino Canyon Park roads on Mt. Lemmon. It was observed during daylight hours and appeared to have difficulty walking.

A second skunk was killed on April 9 near West Pinacate Avenue and South Stagecoach Road near Three Points. The dogs in that case were also vaccinated and are in home quarantine.

The third was found in Oro Valley on April 20 near East Pusch View Lane and Oracle Road. This skunk was also seen during daylight, according to Game and Fish and was seen having difficulty walking.

It was the April 20 discovery that prompted the Pima County Health Department to issue an alert to Oro Valley residents.

"Avoid contact with and don't approach wildlife that are behaving abnormally or appear to be ill. If you believe that you see a rabid animal, call AZGFD at 1-623-236-7201 or the Pima County Health Department at (520) 724-7797 immediately," said Regional Supervisor Raul Vega of Game and Fish in Tucson, in a recent release.

Principal wildlife that carry rabies are bats, foxes and skunks, according to Game and Fish these animals carry a distinct strain of rabies. When rabies is present in this portion of wildlife it can spill over to other mammals like bobcats, coyotes, javelina, cats, dogs, horses, cows, etc.

Rabies is a preventable disease. Keeping pets vaccinated is one way to make sure they do not contract it, the other is to be aware of wildlife acting against normal behaviors. Rabid animals may appear disoriented or intoxicated, salivate heavily or appear thirsty.

According to Game and Fish, 15 people in Arizona are exposed to rabies each year. Those who are exposed must receive vaccine and anti-rabies serum treatment to prevent infection.

Prevention information is available at: http://www.azdhs.gov/preparedness/epidemiology-disease-control/rabies/#prevention