By PR Public Health Nurse Darlynn Williams

A rabies-infected skunk was captured and euthanized in Powder River County, within the town of Broadus, early this month. Two dogs were exposed to the rabid skunk and are being managed for possible exposure to rabies.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that is spread through the saliva of an infected animal. The virus can infect any mammal, including people. However, it is virtually 100% preventable in domestic animals through the administration of the rabies vaccine.

“Rabies vaccines not only protect the health of an individual animal, they also protect the health of animal owners and other animals,” says Dr. Tahnee Szymanski with the Department of Livestock. “Vaccination is a low-cost, safe, and effective tool that we encourage all pet owners to pursue.”

Rabies vaccines are available for dogs, cats, and ferrets, and most livestock species. Livestock owners of animals of substantial financial value or animals that have frequent contact with the public should consider vaccinating their animals. Non-vaccinated animals that are exposed to rabid or suspected rabid animals may be subject to long-term quarantine, an expensive and labor-intensive process.

Contact between a pet and a wild animal, including skunks and bats, should be reported to a local veterinarian or the Montana Department of Livestock to ensure potential rabies exposures are assessed for risk and managed accordingly.

To protect yourself, your family, and pets against rabies:

• Keep pets currently vaccinated for rabies.

• Keep garbage in tight containers to avoid attracting animals.

• Stay away from domestic animals that act aggressive and wild animals that seem unafraid.

• Avoid night animals, like raccoons, that are active during the day.

• Contact your local animal control agency if you see an animal behaving suspiciously.

If you or someone you know is bitten by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water, consult a doctor right away, and call your local public health department to report the bite.