Rabid skunk reported in Curry County

Freedom New Mexico

The first rabies report in Curry County for the year was reported today by the New Mexico Department of Health.

A rabid skunk bit an unvaccinated dog, then died, a press release said.

The dog will euthanized to prevent it from developing rabies and potentially exposing other animals and people, a press release said.

The incident is a reminder, the release said, to vaccinate pets against rabies and not to handle wild animals.

“This is another tragic event where a family dog will be euthanized since it was not previously vaccinated against rabies,” said Paul Ettestad, the DoH’s public health veterinarian. “If the dog had been vaccinated against rabies it could have received a booster dose of vaccine and been protected.”

Rabies is fatal if not treated before symptoms develop.

“Since pet dogs and cats that roam and hunt can come into contact with rabid animals and potentially transmit the disease to people, it is very important to make sure all dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations,” Ettestad said. “This will also help to protect children and other family members from rabies if their dog or cat tangles with a rabid animal.”