Suspicious skunk in Grapevine tested positive for rabies virus

GRAPEVINE (CBSNewsTexas.com) – Seeing a skunk in the Grapevine earlier this week is a reminder of the importance of keeping your pets up to date on vaccinations.

Grapevine Animal Services (GAS) reported that on Wednesday, March 1, agents answered a call from the E. Dallas Rd area. and Dawn Ln. The caller reported that they saw a skunk that looked disoriented and uncharacteristically approached people.

Later tests showed that the animal had been infected with the rabies virus.

Fortunately, GAS reports, there have been no reports of effects on animals or humans. However, if you believe that you, a loved one, or a pet may have been exposed at this location, you should contact GAS immediately. Pet owners should also contact their veterinarians immediately.

Wild animals, especially some high-risk vectors such as skunks, are a source of the rabies virus. To protect yourself and your community, it is important to keep your dogs, cats, and ferrets vaccinated in a timely manner.

You should also avoid pets interacting with wildlife, not feeding wild animals, and teaching your children how to be safe with both pets and wild animals. If you see an injured or sick wild animal, you should call animal control immediately.

Some of the signs of rabies include unusual changes in behavior. Wild animals may approach you or seem “friendly”, and pets may suddenly become aggressive. The animal may also have trouble walking, eating, or drinking water.

If you need to get your pet vaccinated, GAS is running a free rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, March 25 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at 500 Shady Brook Dr. in Grapevine.