Curry County skunk tests positive for rabies

SANTA FE – A skunk found in Clovis has tested positive for rabies, marking the first confirmed case of the virus in New Mexico this year, health officials report.

Rabies is a deadly virus that affects mammals, including wildlife such as skunks, bats and foxes in New Mexico.

“Rabies is uncommon in household pets like dogs and cats – because responsible pet owners make sure their animals are up to date on their rabies boosters,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH). “Rabies vaccination is the best defense to protect your pet from infection.”

Protect yourself and your loved ones from rabies with the following recommendations:

• Do not attempt to feed, approach, or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach children the importance of doing the same.
• If you see a sick or dead wild animal, or a wild animal acting out of the ordinary, report it to your local animal control authorities or the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish at (888) 248-6866.
• Any person bitten by an animal or who comes into contact with an animal’s saliva should wash the area immediately with soap and water.
• Report the bite to local animal control and seek medical care as soon as possible.
• Contact the NMDOH Helpline at 1-(833) SWNURSE or 1-(833) 796-8773 for guidance.
• If a pet has been bitten or scratched, especially by a wild animal, consult a veterinarian even if the wound is superficial.
• Keep pets on a leash if they are outside their yard. Letting your pets freely roam outside increases their chances of coming in contact with sick or dead wild animals that may be rabid.
• Consider vaccinating horses and other livestock to protect them from rabid animals.

For more info about rabies, visit the New Mexico Department of Health website at: https://nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zdp/rab/.

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Un zorrillo en el condado de Curry da positivo en la prueba de la rabia