Powder River Examiner -

Powder River County has been placed under 60 day quarantine for rabies, following the diagnosis of rabies in a skunk, on June 30th. Two skunks have tested positive for rabies in the county since April 1, the first was found in Broadus and the second within several miles of town. Additionally, one person is receiving post exposure prophylaxis after being bitten by a sick stray animal that could not be tested.

The Department of Livestock issued the following terms for the quarantine:

1. All non-vaccinated or not currently vaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets in Powder River County are to remain in the county for a period of not less than sixty (60) days from the date of the last known terrestrial rabies.

2. Any dog, cat or ferret in Powder River County having been properly immunized against rabies for the first time, may be released from the quarantine area after a period of twenty-eight (28) days from the date of vaccination.

3. Any dog, cat or ferret in Powder River County that is past-due on the rabies vaccine, may be immediately released from the quarantine area following administration of a booster vaccine.

4. Written notification from MDOL will be provided when this quarantine is released.

According to the CDC, rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. In the United States, rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

The rabies virus infects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start.

Five people died in the US from rabies in 2021; one of those cases occurred in Idaho.