Sacramento County, CA
06/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/28/2024 14:40
Skunk Tests Positive for Rabies in SacCounty
A juvenile striped skunk showing neurologic signs (e.g., staggering) was found on June 19, 2024, near the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) facilities on Nimbus Road in Rancho Cordova, adjacent to the American River Parkway. CDFW staff humanely euthanized the animal and submitted it to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory for necropsy. On June 25, 2024, confirmation was received that the skunk tested positive for rabies.
Rabies is a severe infection of the nervous system caused by a virus that is most often transmitted through the bite from an infected animal. Rabies can infect all mammals, including humans. Preventative treatment is available for humans after exposure but must be started promptly. Once clinical signs of rabies are seen, the disease is almost always fatal. If you are bitten by an animal believed to have rabies, contact Sacramento County at 3-1-1 or (916) 875-4311.
In California, rabies is identified in about 200 animals every year, most often in wildlife like bats and skunks. Domestic animals such as dogs, cats and horses can also get rabies, but this is not as common due to legal requirements for rabies vaccination. For more information, see California Department of Public Health's website.
With the American River Parkway being a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, kayaking and cycling, visitors should take these steps to minimize exposure to rabies:
- Avoid contact with wild animals; call animal control if you see sick or injured wildlife
- Report unusual behavior of wildlife or domestic animals (e.g., stumbling, seizures, aggressiveness) to local animal control or wildlife officials
- Immediately wash all animal bites with soap and water and seek medical attention