NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: Nancy Niehus, (440) 350-2543
November 18, 2011 LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT
LAKE COUNTY RABID SKUNKS TOTAL EIGHT IN 2011
In the past month, three more skunks have been identified as being positive for rabies, bringing the Lake County total to eight so far this year. These skunks were all from the Mentor area and were either found dead or seriously ill. The property owners were all questioned to determine if any humans or animals were potentially exposed to rabies, and rabies vaccination dates for pets were confirmed with veterinarians to make sure pets were current.
Northeast Ohio residents must be constantly aware of the potential presence of rabies virus in wild animals, feral cats, and unvaccinated dogs and cats. Rabies is fatal in unvaccinated animals and also fatal in humans who do not receive appropriate medical treatment. For example, recently in Summit County, an unvaccinated dog died of rabies after being bitten by a rabid raccoon. Several family members and veterinary staff were exposed to this dog and received medical attention.
Protect your pets, livestock and family members by vaccinating all animals routinely for rabies. In addition, turn on a light and check your yard for the presence of wild animals when letting pets outside after dark. Avoid contact with wild animals and pets not known to you. Skunk activity is expected to decrease soon with the onset of colder weather. Animals that are sick may die in their dens over the winter without exposing humans or other animals.
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Collection Date
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Political Subdivision
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Species
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7/20/2011
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Mentor
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Skunk
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9/04/2011
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Mentor
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Skunk
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9/21/2011
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Painesville City
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Skunk
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9/28/2011
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Mentor-on-the Lake
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Skunk
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9/28/2011
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Mentor
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Skunk
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10/19/2011
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Mentor
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Skunk
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11/3/2011
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Mentor
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Skunk
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11/9/2011
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Mentor
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Skunk
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For additional information on rabies please visit:
http://www.lcghd.org/rabies.aspx
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/dis/zoonoses/rabies/rab1.aspx
http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/
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