blake
Life Member
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:
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:
- All five family members are receiving the rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin;
- 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;
- and the unvaccinated family dog will have to be put into quarantine for six months, or euthanized.
- 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.