Two rabid skunks found in Sweetwater city limits

SWEETWATER, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Two rabid skunks have been found within Sweetwater city limits.

The skunks were captured on 1700 block of East 17th Street and Country Club Golf Course Friday, May 2nd. City officials received at least 3 reports of skunks displaying signs of rabies in these areas. Both skunks were located and did test positive for rabies.

Officials were unable to capture a third possibly rabid skunk, which was last seen near the intersection of Skinny and Woodruff.

Rabies is a deadly virus that can affect animals and people and is spread through saliva of infected animals. Vaccination is the best prevention, and people who encounter wild animals or have pets are urged to take the following precautions:

● Do not feed, handle, or touch wild animals such as bats, skunks, and raccoons
● Teach children to stay away from wild or deceased animals
● Do not allow pets to roam freely, as free-roaming increases their chance of exposure without your
knowledge
● Keep your pet’s rabies vaccination current.
● Immediately contact a veterinarian if your pet is bitten or scratched by a wild animal.
● Consult with a physician immediately after possible rabies exposure.
● Report all animal bites to animal control authorities; the biting animal must be quarantined or
tested for rabies