AUSTIN (KXAN) — A skunk found dead in Lockhart on Sept. 11 has tested positive for rabies, according to the city of Lockhart. The city also informed its residents of exposure areas of where the skunk was seen before it died.
A city spokesperson said that the city believes the skunk was in the 400 block of Summerside Avenue and the 2400 block of Blue Skye Lane.
The city said “the skunk was immediately collected and submitted for rabies testing.” Then, on Wednesday, the Department of State Health Services, or DSHS, “notified Lockhart Animal Control that the skunk tested positive for rabies.”
While no people or pets were known to be exposed to the skunk, anyone’s children or pets who may have come in contact with a skunk to notify the city immediately at 512-398-4401 ext. 2.
While rabies is treatable, the city said it is “a fatal disease.” Here are precautions residents can take if they live in the area of where the skunk was found, as provided by the city:
- Look for abnormal behavior in animals or pets, like “nocturnal animals being out during the day, lethargy or mobility issues, and unusual aggression.” If any of this happens, then you are urged to contact Animal Control at 512-398-4401. The city said an officer with animal control will “assess the situation to determine if rabies testing is needed.”
- Make sure pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccines. If they are not, the city urges for you to vaccinate them as soon as possible. You can follow up with your veterinarian or see if there are “low-cost mobile clinics” available.
- The city said “do not feed, interact, or encourage wildlife to remain on your property.”
- If anyone encounters a rabid animal, they either follow up with a medical provider or go to the emergency room “as soon as possible.” The encounter should also be reported to Animal Control immediately, so the agency can “determine whether the animal needs to be tested or quarantined.”
