East Texans should remain on alert for rabies

By KRISTY HEMMINGSEN | East Texas Edition

April 4, 2002 -- The Texas Department of Health's Zoonosis Control Center continues to inform and alert East Texas pet and livestock owners of the necessity to have a "heightened sense of awareness" for possible rabid wildlife.

And since the spring season is upon us, some of the more rabid-prone animals such as skunks are now "out and about" more than ever.

Joe Roach, Franklin County Extension agent, reminds East Texans that skunks are a common springtime problem. He said during the season, the skunk population increases and they become more active.

"Skunks have their place in the world," explained Roach. "But the problem comes when they infringe upon the activities of man."

Most recent reports from the TDH include 10 reported and confirmed rabies cases between Feb. 25 and March 17, and again primarily in the tri-county area of Houston, Anderson, and Henderson counties.

In these three counties, TDH said all cases were linked to rabid skunks and usually entailed the homeowner discovering the animal in their yard or pasture. In each case, the skunk was usually killed by the homeowner or by dogs, taken for testing, and later confirmed to be rabid.

Other potential rabies cases within the same one-month period, included Red River and Angelina counties.

In Red River County, the Bogata City Hall was alerted of a skunk located on a city street that was walking in circles and spraying. City personnel shot and killed the animal, which was later confirmed to be rabid.

The only non-skunk reported rabies case in the last month took place in Angelina County and involved a raccoon. A homeowner discovered the animal (which showed no sign of fear for the owner) in the owner's garage and along with his dog. But when the owner killed the raccoon, the animal's head was destroyed which prevented proper rabies testing to be performed. The case was considered to be an unconfirmed rabies case.

Dr. James H. Wright, TDH's regional zoonosis control veterinarian, had stated earlier this year that there is every reason to expect more rabies in skunks, pets, and livestock in these counties and others, as long as there are a large number of skunks living in these areas.

Wright also said, "Since rabies vaccines are relatively inexpensive, and are very effective, all pets should be vaccinated annually. For more information on rabies, contact your veterinarian or the TDH's Zoonosis Control Department in Tyler (903-533-5212).