Two Rabies Positive Skunks in Bismarck City Limits

Two skunks found within Bismarck, N.D., city limits have tested positive for rabies. These skunks were tested within nine days of each other. The first skunk was tested on March 18, 2013, after a man entering a work shed was bitten by the skunk that was in the building. The second skunk was tested on March 27, 2013, after the Bismarck Animal Control received numerous reports of a skunk wandering back and forth near the intersection of Expressway and Washington. A second-hand report of children attempting to catch the skunk and the possibility of one child being bitten prompted the North Dakota Department of Health to issue a news release and send letters home to parents of nearby elementary and middle schools.

Eight animals testing positive for rabies have been reported to the North Dakota Department of Health since January 1, 2013, (5 skunks, 2 cats and 1 cow). At this time last year, 33 animals had tested positive. The total number of animals testing positive for rabies in 2012 was 74.

As the weather starts to warm up, wild animals become more active and more people are outdoors where they are exposed to them. It is important for people to avoid wild animals, including not feeding them or handling them. The spread of rabies can also be prevented by:

• Vaccinating pets and keeping them from contact with wild animals.

• Not allowing wild animals to take up residence around your home, farmstead or livestock.

• Not keeping wild animals as pets. In North Dakota, it is illegal to keep a skunk or raccoon as a pet.

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