Rabies Alert in Montville: Skunks Test Positive

Montville Animal Control released a June 3 public service announcement via Facebook. They wrote:

It is that time of year again that the wildlife is moving about and everyone is enjoying the warm weather outside. Montville Animal Control has recently had two skunks test positive for the Rabies virus in the Connecticut Blvd. “Montville Manor” region of town.

Rabies is a deadly virus if precautions are not taken to avoid exposure or post-exposure treatment is not sought. It is important that the public remain cautious of wildlife in the area and take all safety measures to avoid contact with wildlife exhibiting symptoms of Rabies.

This does not mean that we have an epidemic or should stop you from enjoying the great outdoors, just merely a reminder to keep an eye out and report any animals exhibiting symptoms.

Also, make sure that your pets are current on their Rabies vaccination as it will help prevent them from contracting the virus if they do come in contact with a sick animal.

Symptoms can include:

• Unprovoked aggression
• Unusual friendliness
• Stumbling, falling, appearing “drunk”, appearing disoriented, or wandering aimlessly
• Paralysis in the hind legs or throat. This paralysis can cause the animal to whine, drool excessively, froth at the mouth, or choke.
• Unusual vocalizations
• Nocturnal animals may become unusually active during the day (some daytime activity is normal, especially when they are feeding their young)

The Rabies virus is transmitted via the saliva of the infected animal making contact with an open wound (bite), mouth, eyes or nose. Rabies is not transmitted through blood, urine or feces. The virus does not generally live long in the body of a dead animal, especially during the warm summer months.

If you do see an animal that is exhibiting symptoms of the Rabies virus please call State Police Troop E Montville at (860) 848-6500 extension 0 or Montville Animal Control at (860)848-3529 so that the animal can be safely removed before any human or pet is exposed.

Healthy wildlife that is not showing symptoms will not be removed from the property by Animal Control or Police. If you find that you have a family of skunks or other wildlife living in your yard that appear to be healthy but are bothersome to you, please contact a licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Officer or Department of Environmental and Energy Protection for questions.

Remember, it is illegal to trap and relocate any “rabies vector species” (skunks, raccoons, and fox) in the state of Connecticut.

Thank you,
Montville Animal Control

Stock Photo by rikkis_refuge, via flickr creative commons