Rabid Skunk confirmed in Blue Hill area.

A skunk that bit a dog on a farm south of Blue Hill has been diagnosed with rabies. As the population of skunks, raccoons and other small animals seems to be plentiful this year it is good to remind all readers to make sure their pets vaccinations are up to date. Although there are still some people that will keep skunks as pets, the majority of the thinking population would rather not come into contact with one. If there are skunks on your property, near your home or if you have seen skunks out during the day, it is best to familiarize yourself with some signs of a rabid skunk. It is better to be informed than to be in danger. Although there are no absolutely sure visible signs that any skunk has rabies, there are some things a person can look for. An absolutely conclusive test for rabies requires a look at, or scan of, the brain by a professional usually done in a state health office. Most skunks are not aggressive. If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. Do not scream, yell, move in a quick manner, or start acting crazy. If you slowly back away from a skunk quietly, everyone will usually be fine. Skunks are known rabies carriers. Not every skunk will have rabies. The most common wild animal in the United States to carry rabies is a raccoon, and there are plenty of raccoons in Webster co. Worldwide, dogs are the most common rabies carriers because they are more likely to encounter, and make contact with, rabid wild animals. However, in the United States we have an aggressive campaign that is ongoing promoting pet vaccinations. That is why dogs are not #1 here. Every responsible pet owner should make sure their pets vaccinations are kept up to date. Although it is very easy to neglect getting those booster shots letting those vaccinations expire can lead to heart break if your pet happens to encounter a rabid animal. With all of that being said, you should still know what to watch for. Here are some things to look out for: The most telling of the signs of a rabid skunk from a strictly visual standpoint is a skunk that is not afraid of humans or dogs. Skunks are generally afraid of humans. If a skunk keeps coming at your or your pet, it is best to assume the skunk is rabid. Do what you can to keep your pet and family away for any skunk that seems to have no fear. Is the skunk walking funny? Does it appear as if the skunk has had one too many beers? A skunk that is staggering, stumbling, wobbly or appears to be drunk may have rabies. Of course, it may be injured. But I would not suggest doing an examination to find out! Rabid animals will sometimes attack inanimate objects. They are aggressive to anything they encounter. They may appear to be confused. A rabid animal, or skunk, may drool excessively. He or she may even foam at the mouth. Some rabid animals experience hind-quarter paralysis. Though not all experience this. These are just some of the classic symptoms of a skunk carrying rabies. Classic symptoms are exhibited anywhere from 1-14 days before the skunk dies. Not all rabid skunks will show signs as soon as they are carriers. Use caution and good judgment at all times. It is best to avoid contact at all times, regardless of whether the skunk appears to be rabid or not. Lindsay Waechter-Mead, a veterinarian with the Animal clinic in Hastings said " Just to clear it up, all pets (cats, dogs, horses, ferrets) need to be vaccinated for rabies at 3 months of age, then booster the vaccine after one year. They then need to be vaccinated every 3 years in Nebraska. "