HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.28.22 For Immediate Release_ INCREASE IN SKUNKS INFECTED WITH RABIES PROMPS WARNING FROM PUBLIC HEALTH
From:Almaguer, Lisa
To:BOS; Cox, Erin; McSpadden, Elaine; Nicholas, Jodi; Putnam, Jodi; Soderstrom, Monica; Star, Nanette
Cc:York, Danette; Canton, David
Subject:For Immediate Release: INCREASE IN SKUNKS INFECTED WITH RABIES PROMPS WARNING FROM PUBLIC
HEALTH
Date:Thursday, July 28, 2022 10:02:25 AM
The following release will be issued shortly…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2022
INCREASE IN SKUNKS INFECTED WITH RABIES PROMPS
WARNING FROM PUBLIC HEALTH
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – Butte County Public Health’s (BCPH) Animal Control Program
has seen an increase in skunks infected with rabies and urges residents, especially those
who live in areas prone to wildlife visits, to take precautions and keep current on rabies
vaccination for cats and dogs.
Pets can become infected with rabies and spread the virus to humans.
Since mid-June, four skunks have tested positive for rabies. The infected skunks have all
been located in the South part of Butte County.
“We don’t know why we are seeing an increase in rabid skunks, but will continue to monitor
the situation. The public is urged not to interact with wildlife and to protect their pets from
wildlife encounters, which includes keeping them current on their rabies vaccinations,”
stated Danette York, Director of BCPH.
Prevent Rabies in People:
Any mammal can get rabies, but the most commonly affected animals in the United States
are raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Protect yourself and your family from rabies by:
Keeping cats and dogs current on rabies vaccination.
Leaving all wildlife alone, including injured animals. Do not approach, touch or
attempt to feed them.
Calling your local animal control agency if you find an injured or rabid animal.
If you are bitten by an animal, wash the bite area with soap and water and contact
your healthcare provider immediately.
Prevent Rabies in Pets:
Pets can become infected with rabies if they interact with infected wildlife. Protect your pets
from rabies by:
Keeping cats and dogs current on rabies vaccination.
Maintaining control of pets by keeping cats indoors and keeping dogs under direct
supervision, especially if you live in areas prone to wildlife activity.
Immediately contact your local animal control agency if you find an injured or rabid
animal, or if you have any reason to believe that there has been a possible
transmission of the rabies virus.
Residents who suspect there is a rabid skunk on their property or find an injured animal,
such as a skunk, raccoon, fox or bat should call their local animal control agency regarding
possible exposure:
If you live in the unincorporated county (including Biggs),
call Butte County Animal Control: 530-552-3888
If you live in the City of Oroville, call: 530-533-7636
If you live in the City of Chico, call: 530-897-4960
If you live in the City of Gridley, call: 530-846-4825
If you live in the Town of Paradise, call: 530-872-627
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Lisa Almaguer
Communications Manager / PIO
BUTTE COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
202 Mira Loma Drive | Oroville, CA 95965
T: 530.552.4000 | D: 530.552.4041
“Nationally Accredited, 09/13/17”
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