Homeowners never relish the idea of a skunk in their yard, but some western Travis County residents have even more reason to be wary.
The Austin-Travis County Health and Human Services Department says there’s been two cases of rabid skunks in western Travis County, one of which was documented just days ago.
Health and Human Services shares the following four tips to avoid contact with rabies, which it notes is “almost always fatal in humans once symptoms occur:”
- Avoid feeding, touching or adopting wild animals, such as bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes.
- Report suspicious animals to animal control by calling 3-1-1.
- Vaccinate your family pets or livestock against rabies.
- If you are bitten or if saliva from a suspected rabid animal comes in contact with your eyes, nose, mouth or a wound, wash the exposure site and seek medical attention immediately.
If your pet is not vaccinated, Austin Animal Services is offering free rabies vaccinations on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Bartholomew Park, 5201 Berkman Dr. from 8 a.m. to noon.
