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Goodwell, Guymon confirm rabies found in city limits |
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Thursday, 22 May 2008 |
By HEATHER AVEY
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The town of Goodwell confirmed a case of rabies within their city limits Wednesday.
According to animal control, a skunk was captured after having contact with a local domestic animal at a residence.
"We just want the residents to be on the lookout for skunks or any other animals that may be carriers and we really want to emphasize vaccination of animals.
We will take custody of any animal that is not vaccinated and tagged," said Levi Bickford, animal control and maintenance supervisor for Goodwell.
According to Benji Fuentes, animal control supervisor for Guymon, a confirmed case of rabies was made in March of this year for Guymon.
"As dry as it is all wildlife is coming into the city limits looking for water. And by state law all animal owners are required to have their animal vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian," Fuentes said.
"If anyone makes contact with an animal they believe may have rabies they need to call animal control, but the first thing they need to do is to stay away from it."
If any pet owner believes that their pet has come into to contact with an animal that may have rabies, animal control can pick up the animal, but the victim is responsible for any costs that accrue.
Rabies is a disease humans may get from being bitten by an animal infected with the rabies virus. Rabies has been recognized for over 4,000 years. Although officials have made great advances in diagnosing and preventing it, today rabies is almost always deadly in humans who contract it and do not receive treatment.
Wild animals that commonly carry rabies are raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, and coyotes.
Cats are the most common domestic animals with rabies in the United States. Dogs are the most common domestic rabid animals worldwide.
If you or your pet has come into contact with a potential case of rabies contact your local animal control or police department. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 26 May 2008 )
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