COPPERAS COVE, Texas — Copperas Cove Animal Control is encouraging residents to be mindful of rabies after a skunk tested positive for the disease in the city.
According to Copperas Cove Police, a resident found a dead skunk in the 800 Block of Massengale Circle on Sept. 23. The skunk was reportedly sent to the Texas Department of Health Laboratory, which later told Copperas Cove Animal Control that the skunk had tested positive for rabies.
Copperas Cove Police said a skunk had previously attacked a feral kitten on Sept. 19, leading to the kitten testing positive for rabies and being humanely euthanized.
Anyone who believes they or their pet has come in contact with a skunk or another wild animal in the area is asked to "immediately" contact Copperas Cove Animal Control at 254-547-5584, or Copperas Cove Police at 254-547-8222.
Those who believe they or their pets may have been exposed to rabies are encouraged to contact their doctor or veterinarian.
Rabies infection is most common in bats, coyotes, raccoons, skunks and foxes, said Animal Control. Signs of rabies infection in a human may include, but are not limited to, fever, headaches, fatigue, respiration difficulties, possible paralysis or hyperactivity and/or coma.
Signs of rabies infection in pets may reportedly include fever, chewing at the site of infection or bite, erratic behavior, walking aimlessly, general restlessness, skin irritability, sensitivity to light, aggression in animals not normally aggressive and generally unnatural behavior for that animal.
Animal Control warns residents not to approach, touch, have any contact with or allow their pets to have any contact with wild animals. They also recommend citizens take steps to protect outside areas by covering garbage cans and not leaving pet food outside.
Anyone who observes a wild animal acting strangely is told to contact Animal Control immediately.
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