MACOMB TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Skunks with rabies have been confirmed in multiple locations around Macomb County, and residents are being warned to keep an eye out.
The first two rabid skunks were identified within three miles of each other in Macomb Township. A third skunk with rabies was found in Clinton Township in June, officials said.
In all three cases, the rabid skunks attacked family pets and had to be euthanized, according to a release. Those skunks were tested, and the presence of rabies was confirmed.
Due to the proximity of the rabid skunks, residents are strongly encouraged to take precautions for themselves and their pets whenever a skunk is around. There’s a possibility that rabies has been passed to other skunks in the county, officials said.
Animals with rabies might act strangely, drool, be aggressive, and try to bite.
Anyone who sees a potentially rabid skunk is asked to call Macomb County Animal Control at 586-469-5115.
Here are some recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- 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 fully 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 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.
