CONTROLLING SKUNK RABIES

Skunk rabies has been a problem in Precinct 1 in the past.  The Texas Department of Health Services, Texas Wildlife Division is trying something different.  TDHS will bait two different areas in the County by dropping it from helicopters, walking and driving. "Rabies baits will be distributed in the two study areas at a density of 64 baits per square mile or 150 baits per square mile... Suburban and urban areas will receive hand baiting in green belts, golf courses, and other similar favorable skunk habitat areas."

This is what the vaccine will look like. The vaccine in these baits cannot cause rabies and has been shown to be safe in more than 60 different species of animals collected and observed, including dogs and cats.  In people that are immunocompromised or pregnant, contact can cause a local pox-type infection.  If you come in contact with the vaccine, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and call 1-877-722-6725.

This will be a good program to control the rabid skunks.  Don't disturb the bait, if you find it unless you must.  If you do need to pic it up, use gloves.  Call the number if you need to.