Skunk Tests Positive For Rabies In Naugatuck: NVHD

NAUGATUCK, CT — A skunk in Naugatuck tested positive for rabies this week, according to the Naugatuck Valley Health District.

In a news release, Director of Health Jessica Kristy said the skunk was found in the Melbourne Street area of Naugatuck.

The animal was tested and found to be positive for rabies on Wednesday, Kristy said.

According to Kristy, rabies is a fatal disease of warm blooded mammals caused by a virus, most frequently spread through a bite from an infected animal. Bites are the main route of transmission because a diseased animal has the rabies virus in its saliva, and frequently will bite other animals.

Kristy also noted there are several things residents can do to protect their pet from rabies, including making sure their pets get regular rabies vaccines, keeping them away from wild animals, spaying or neutering pets and calling animal control to remove stray animals from their neighborhood.

Connecticut law requires every dog and cat three months of age or older to have a current rabies vaccination. The fine for failing to vaccinate a pet in Naugatuck is $136, Kristy said.

More information is available at www.cdc.gov/rabies and at naugatuckpd.org/divisions/animal-control.

Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to call the Animal Control Officer at 203-729-4324 or the Naugatuck Valley Health District at 203-881-3255 x 104.