A skunk killed by dogs in the area of the Big Ditch near Central and Ridge Road in Wichita has tested positive for rabies.  This incident represents the first animal testing positive for rabies this year.  This is a little early in the year to see this occurrence but with the mild winter, it is not surprising.  We generally see rabies incidence in the spring and fall a time when skunks are more active.  This occurrence does demonstrate the continued need for vaccinations of pets.  Skunks represent the primary means of exposure for domestic animals within this area.  On average, five wild animals test positive for rabies each year.

In this case, a skunk found its way into the yard of a local resident and was attacked by that resident’s two dogs and killed.  The dogs involved did have current vaccinations but both will be given rabies boosters and quarantined for 45 days as a precautionary measure.

Animal Services officers are canvassing the local area where the skunk was found but ES officials emphasize that similar risks exist throughout the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County.  Last year we had an unusually low rate of only one incident in the city and only one in the county.  There was a total of 80 Kansas cases in 2005; 55 were found in skunks, six were found in cats, four found in dogs and the rest from several other types of animals.     

There is always a concern when skunks or other wild animals have altercations with household pets, especially if the pets are not vaccinated against rabies.  The City of Wichita requires that both dogs and cats obtain rabies vaccinations each year.  Many pet owners are not diligent about this annual requirement and will be fined if their animal is found to be without proof that the vaccination is current.    

People should watch for unusual behavior if they see a skunk in the daytime.  Skunks are nocturnal animals and normally become active only in the late evening, returning to their burrows in the early morning hours.  Movement during the day could be indicative of an animal that is ill.  People should report any skunk that they see during the daylight hours to Animal Services at 268-8378 and should insure that their pets are vaccinated against rabies by checking with their veterinarian. 

Additional rabies information may be found at Environmental Services Animal Shelter website:
http://www.wichitagov.org/CityOffices/Environmental/AnimalShelter/rabies.htm

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