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OAKLAND COUNTY, MI – State health officials warn of the confirmed presence of rabies in a Michigan critter.
The Oakland County Health Division reported a case of rabies in a dead mole removed from Southfield north of 10 Mile Road, south of Lincoln Road between Southfield and Greenfield Roads. Several dead skunks have been reported recently in this area but have not been tested for rabies.
"Avoid stray, wild and dead animals to protect you from rabies," said Leigh-Anne Stafford, Oakland County's Health Officer. "Rabies is present in our communities, and people and their pets need to be cautious and avoid encounters with unknown animals."
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.
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. Everyone can take simple steps to protect themselves 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.
- Call local animal control experts for help if an animal is acting strangely, including:
- Having problems to swallow
- Exposing a lot of drooling or saliva
- Bite everything
- Having trouble moving or being paralyzed
- 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 feed or put water for pets on the outside
- Keep garbage well covered, as these objects can attract wild or stray animals.
If other dead wildlife is found in this area, call the Health Division at 248-858-1286. Residents are urged to stay away from wild animals such as skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, cats and stray dogs.
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