Mt. Clemens, MI - Two rabies positive skunks were recently found within three miles of each other in Macomb Township. There was also a third rabies positive skunk identified in Clinton Township in June. All three skunks engaged family pets and were subsequently euthanized and tested.
Given the proximity of the subject skunks, residents are strongly encouraged to take caution for themselves and their pets when they see a skunk due to the possibility of localized transmission. If you see a skunk that you suspect is rabies positive, call Macomb County Animal Control at 586-469-5115. Although the only way to know for sure if an animal (or person) has rabies is to perform laboratory testing, animals with rabies may act strangely, be aggressive and try to bite people and other animals, or they may drool more than normal.
Some recommendations from the CDC on rabies prevention include:
For People:
- Leave all wildlife alone.
- Wash animal bites or scratches immediately with soap and water.
- If you are bitten, scratched or unsure, talk to a health care provider about whether you need treatment. Rabies in people is 100% preventable through prompt appropriate medical care.
- Vaccinate your pets to protect them and your family.
- Visit your veterinarian with your pet on a regular basis and keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all cats, ferrets and dogs.
- Maintain control of your pets by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and keeping dogs under direct supervision.
- Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted pets that may not be properly cared for or vaccinated regularly.
- Call animal control to remove all stray animals from your neighborhood since these animals may be unvaccinated or ill.