On April 15, 2010, a skunk in Loomis in Phelps County tested positive for rabies. The skunk was submitted by the Bertrand Veterinary Clinic. Nebraska reported 90 rabies cases in 2009. There have been 16 positive cases of rabies reported in the state at this time. The number of positive cases in Nebraska can be found at: http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/srd/rabies09.htm.
The risk of exposure to rabies is real, but the disease is preventable in both humans and domestic animals. In the US, there are around 7,000 animal rabies cases diagnosed every year. In the mid-West, skunks and bats are the main sources. Domestic pets and livestock can be infected from exposure to these wildlife sources of rabies.
Two Rivers Public Health Department offers these tips to prevent rabies:
• Have your veterinarian vaccinate all dogs, cats, ferrets, horses and valuable livestock against rabies.
• If bitten by an animal, seek medical attention and report the bite to your local public health department or animal control department immediately.
• If your animal is bitten, contact your veterinarian for advice.
• Do not handle or feed wild animals. Never approach wild animals or bring them into your home.
• If wild animals appear sick or injured, call law enforcement, animal control or an animal rescue agency for assistance.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
If you have additional questions, please contact your local veterinarian or Two Rivers Public Health Department at 995-4778 or 1-888-669-7154 or see our website at: