Three rabies cases reported in neighboring counties

No rabies cases have been reported in Quay County so far year, but three have been reported in neighboring counties, including when a skunk that attacked a person.

The New Mexico Department of Health reported last week rabies was confirmed in a skunk that attacked a person in De Baca County. It was the second skunk confirmed with rabies in that county; the first had an interaction with a dog in April.

The person attacked by the skunk and the dog that was exposed have received rabies post-exposure vaccinations.

A total of four rabid animals have been reported in New Mexico in 2020 — a fox in Grant County and three skunks: one in Curry County, which also adjoins Quay County, and the two in De Baca County.

Pet and livestock owners should ensure their dogs, cats, horses and livestock are vaccinated against rabies. No pet food or garbage should be left outside. Pets should be leashed while being walked outside.

Residents should be aware of strangely behaving wild animals and avoid contact with skunks or other wild animals.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can be prevented but not cured.

Any contact with wild animals should be reported immediately to the state’s Department of Health. Residents also should call their local Department of Game and Fish office or call radio dispatch at 505-827-9376 for assistance with wildlife acting oddly, especially foxes, coyotes, skunks, raccoons and bats.

The public should immediately call the Department of Health at 505-827-0006 if they or their pets are bitten or exposed to the saliva of wild animals.

These guidelines can help protect you and family members from rabies:

• Always keep pets on a leash when outdoors. Pets should be up-to-date on rabies vaccinations and wearing current tags on their collar. If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, call your pet’s veterinarian even if the wound is superficial.

• Horses and other livestock should be considered for rabies vaccinations to protect them from rabid animals that may attack.

• Avoid from wild or unfamiliar animals. This includes animals that are acting sick, fearless, aggressive or even friendly. Do not attempt to feed, approach or touch wild animals, alive or dead. Teach this message to your children.

• If you are bitten by an animal or come into contact with an animal’s saliva, wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water. Report the bite immediately to local animal control, seek medical care and call the Department of Health at 505-827-0006 about receiving rabies exposure protective vaccination.

• If you see a sick or dead wild animal or a wild animal acting abnormally, report it to New Mexico Department of Game and Fish 505-476-8000.

For more information about rabies, call the Reporting & Surveillance hotline at 505-827-0006.