Skunk Found with Rabies in Lexington Prompts Precautions and Warnings from Health Officials

A Rabies Case Detected in Lexington: A Skunk Tests Positive

In a disconcerting development in Lexington, a skunk discovered within the city limits tested positive for rabies, confirms the local health department. The skunk was caught earlier this week in the Pleasant Grove Road vicinity. Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system in mammals. It can ultimately lead to disease in the brain and death.

Capture and Test of the Skunk

The apprehension of the skunk was executed by the Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control. Following the capture, the animal was tested by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department which confirmed the presence of the lethal rabies virus. The health department’s officials have taken to putting up signs in the area to alert residents about the incidence.

It is crucial to note that up until now, there seems to be no instance of the infected skunk coming into contact with any pets in the neighborhood.

Precautions to Follow

Vaccinate Your Pets

To avoid the spread of this potentially fatal disease, pet owners are being urged to validate that their pets have received their rabies vaccinations. State law mandatorily requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets to have a current rabies vaccination. Regular vaccination not only protects your pets but also helps prevent the spread of the virus to humans.

Rabies: An Overview

The rabies virus is primarily transmitted through the saliva of a rabid animal, usually via a bite. Once it infects a host, it travels via the nerves to the brain. It is essential to know that any mammal can get rabies. The most common wild reservoirs of rabies are raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.

Rabies Prevention and Control

For guidance on avoiding and controlling the spread of rabies, you can refer to the local health department’s rabies control program. Ensuring at all times to not approach or feed any wildlife, particularly those appearing sick or acting unusual, is a prudent measure to observe. If there is a suspicion of an animal being rabid, immediately reporting it and keeping a safe distance is recommended.