Skunks & Rabies
 

Do Not Keep Skunks as Pets!

Northwest Iowa family's experience serves as warning
Posted: July 21, 2010


A northwest Iowa family's experience is evidence not all cute creatures are cuddly. The family found a baby skunk and brought it into their home to raise as a pet. When the skunk became ill several weeks later, a vet was called. The skunk was tested and found to have rabies. The consequences of trying to keep this skunk as a pet has been a painful reminder that wild animals should stay in the wild.

"This is a classic example of a good-hearted person trying to help a wild creature," said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. "Unfortunately, even the cutest of wild animals can carry a variety of diseases that are harmful to humans and other animals. In Iowa, skunks are the reservoir for the rabies virus and all Iowa skunks should be considered potentially rabid. "

In the case of the northwest Iowa woman, the skunk was likely infected with rabies before it was brought into the home. Since the skunk was rabid:

1. All five family members are receiving the rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin;
2. approximately 20 other family members and friends who came in contact with the skunk are being assessed for exposure to rabies, and at least 6 others are receiving rabies shots;
3. and the unvaccinated family dog will have to be put into quarantine for six months, or euthanized.

There are ways to prevent rabies:

• Avoid contact with all wild animals, especially skunks and bats.
• Vaccination of pets against rabies is the best way to reduce human exposure.
• Do not keep any wild animals as pets, especially skunks and bats.
• Animals that have had contact with any animal acting strangely or that might have rabies should be immediately reported to a veterinarian.

To see the 2009 Iowa Rabies Summary, visit: www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/common/pdf/cade/rabies_summary_2009.pdf.