Authorities Confirm 2 Cases of Rabies in Southfield Skunks, Troy

The Oakland County Health Division has announced two confirmed cases of rabies in skunks removed from Southfield and Troy in a statement released Friday.

Last week, the health division reported a confirmed case of rabies in a dead skunk also found in Southfield. Residents are advised to avoid wild animals such as skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes and cats and stray dogs to protect themselves from rabies.

"Rabies is present in our communities," said Leigh-Anne Stafford, Oakland County's Health Officer. "Avoid contact with all wild animals and vaccinate your pets."

If a wild animal behaves strangely, call local animal control for help. If you or your pet are bitten by a wild animal or animal unknown to you, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and consult a doctor or veterinarian immediately.

To report an animal bite, call the Health Division at 248-858-1286.

If a human being has been bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, the prevention of the disease includes effective rabies vaccines. The rabies virus is found in the saliva of infected animals and is spread by bites or scratches. Rabies is not spread by the spray of a skunk. Follow these simple steps to protect yourself from rabies:

• Have pets regularly vaccinated. This will protect them if they are exposed to animals with the disease and prevent them from getting sick and infecting humans.
• Do not handle stray, wild or dead animals.
• Keep pets indoors or monitored to limit their exposure to wild animals that may be rabid.
• Use a leash when walking your dog or keep it in a fenced yard.
• Do not leave food or water outside for pets without supervision.
• Call local animal control experts for help if an animal is acting strangely, including:
• Having problems swallowing
• Expose a lot of saliva or saliva
• Appear more docile than we could expect
• Bite everything
• Having trouble moving or being paralyzed
• Keep garbage well covered, as these objects can attract wild or stray animals.

Bats and skunks are the main vectors of rabies in Michigan. In 2019, rabies was confirmed in four bats and six skunks in Oakland County. The warmer months create opportunities for outdoor activities in Michigan and increase the chances of encounters with pets or pets.

More information on rabies can be found on the Health Division's website at oakgov.com/health or by contacting Nurse on duty at 800 848-5533 or [email protected]. The nurse on duty is available from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 17:00.