OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) — Another case of rabies has been confirmed in a dead skunk, the Oakland County Health Division said.
The skunk was removed from West Bloomfield, north of West 14 Mile Road, south of West Maple Road between Drake and Farmington Roads.
In 2019, rabies has been verified in four bats and 11 skunks in Oakland County.
"Rabies is a fatal disease and there is no known cure. The best protection is to avoid contact with stray, wild, and dead animals,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County, in a news release. “Help keep pets protected by getting them vaccinated and avoiding encounters with unfamiliar animals.”
The health division warns residents to keep away from unfamiliar animals, especially if they are acting strangely, such as having problems swallowing, exhibiting lots of drool and saliva, appearing tamer than you would expect, biting at everything and having trouble moving.
To protect against rabies, the Oakland County Health Division recommends you follow these steps:
- Have pets vaccinated regularly
- Do not handle stray, wild or dead animals
- Keep pets indoors or supervised to limit their exposure to wild animals
- Use a leash when walking dogs or keep them in a fenced-in yard
- Do not leave food or water outside for pets when unattended
- Call local animal control experts if an animal is acting strangely
- Keep garbage securely covered
