Arlington Issues Rabies Advisory

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Early this month the Arlington Animal Services issued the following rabies advisory:

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The Texas Department of State Health Services Rabies Laboratory reported a skunk from a Southwest Arlington neighborhood has tested positive for rabies.? On March 30, 2013 Arlington Animal Services was contacted by the canine? owner and the skunk was retrieved and shipped to the rabies laboratory for testing. ?{{more}}Animal Services, upon investigation, stated the canine made contact with an injured skunk, in the area of Timber Run Drive. ?Arlington Animal Services will be conducting surveillance activities, by strategically placing humane animal traps within the target area, in order to determine if this is an isolated incident.? This is the first case of skunk rabies in Arlington since early 2011.

Skunks are seldom seen during daylight hours.? If a skunk is seen wandering during the day, it may be infected with the rabies virus, and should be reported to Animal Services immediately.?

Skunks should never be approached under any circumstances day or night.? People or pets should not approach a skunk. It is also important to notify Animal Services if any people, pets or livestock come into? contact with a skunk, even if the skunk is no longer in the area.

You should also note that in addition to skunks, raccoons, bats, foxes, and coyotes are all high-risk?carriers of the disease.? Any wild animal that does not show fear of humans, appears sick or sluggish, should not be approached under any circumstances!

Rabies is always fatal!?People and animals may become infected with the rabies virus if an animal that has the disease bites or scratches them.? Anyone who is exposed must take a series of post-exposure injections to prevent them from becoming infected with this fatal disease.

All pet owners are reminded that all dogs and cats are required by state law to be vaccinated against rabies. We also encourage all owners of livestock to consider vaccinating their animals as recommended by a licensed veterinarian.

Low cost vaccination services are offered at Arlington Animal Services.? For more information regarding these services, visit our website at:? www.arlingtontx.gov/animals/vetservices.html?or contact Arlington Animal Services at 817-459-5898.

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Please help us maintain safe and livable neighborhoods by vaccinating your pets.

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