It has been confirmed that a rabid skunk that was found dead in a horse pen near Blue Hill was infected with rabies.
Veterinarian Pat Wahlmeier from the Animal Clinic in Hastings sent the young skunk to Kansas State University's veterinary diagnostic labortory for tests to determine whether or not the animal was in fact the first case of rabies to be confirmed in Webster County this year.
This is the 34th case of rabies to be confirmed in the State of Nebraska this year. The horse that was in the pen where the skunk was found has been vacinated. The horse may have been infected by the skunk.
Marla Augustine, with the Department of Health and Human Services, said that more than half of the state's confirmed rabies cases have involved skunks. She also said that rabies cases in the state are down from previous years.
Animal owners are encouraged to make sure their pets vacinations are up to date.
If a human is suspected of being infected by an animal bit they should very quickly wash the area with soapy hot water and rinse well. Alcohol or iodine should be used to kill germs.
Law enforcement should be contacted or if it is a wild animal, the USDA. Calling them is important so they can make sure the animal is treated for rabies.
To report a possible exposure to rabies from wildlife you can call Spencer Nelson of USDA wildlife Services in Nelson at 402 225 2253.
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Letter to Editor
Rabies Confirmed in Webster County
Exposure to an animal infected with rabies virus can potentially lead to contraction of a fatal disease. So it is imortant that infomation is clar on how the disease is transmitted, how exposure risks can be reduced and what steps to take if you are exposed. With that in mind, I would like to ensure that the words attributed to me in a recent article in the Hastings Tribune (Rabies Conirmed in Webster County.) July 29 are correct and complete.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus. It can be transmitted to humans or othr animals by bites from a rabid animal or from saliva of the rabid animal coming in contact with open wounds, cuts or mucous membranes (your eyes, for example.)If an animal bites you take thee steps.
(1) Clean the bite throughly (with soap and hot water followed by alcohol or iodine to kill germs)
(2) Contact a physician to discuss treatment post exposure treatment is effective but must be administered early.
(3) Identify the animal and confine it for testing, if you can do so safely. For assistance contact yur local law enforcement or USDA Wildlife services.
In the South Heartland area, USDA Wildlife specialists may be reached at 402 225 2253 (Clay and Adams Counnties)
(4) Contact your health department to report potential human exposures (In south heartland area (402 462 6211 or toll free at 1-877-238-7595 ) For additional information on rabies in skunks go to www.lanpubs.unl.edu/sendlt/gl769.pdf.
Finally this rabies case in a skunk will be counted as an Adams County rabies case by Nebraska DHHS, following the determination that the skunk was actually found in Adams Couny.
Michele Bever,
Executive Director
South Heartland District Health Dept.
Hastings
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