Pet Owners Alert: Rabies Reported In Tuolumne County

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Tuolumne County, CA — A skunk has been determined to be the first positive rabies case in Tuolumne County this year.

Animal control is reporting that a skunk with rabies, a virus that severely affects the central nervous system and is spread through saliva, came into contact with two domestic dogs last week in the Phoenix Lake and Peaceful Valley areas. Luckily for the canines, their rabies vaccinations were current. County officials detail both pooches were given booster shots and placed on a 30 day quarantine.

Pet owners are required to immediately report all animal bites, domestic and wildlife, to Tuolumne County Animal Control so that public health officials can recommend whether rabies treatment is need. Animal Control officials warn rabies can be deadly to humans as there is no effective treatment of rabies once a person is infected.

Animal Control provided these tips to protect pets from rabies:

• Avoid contact with wildlife and with animals you don’t know.
• If bitten wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention.
• Ensure all of your animals remain up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.

Rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs in the state and a license is needed in Tuolumne County. It can be obtained at the Tuolumne County Animal Shelter Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The county also holds three low cost rabies clinics during the summer months; click here for the dates, times and locations.