A skunk that bit a Sacramento Zoo visitor may have had rabies, leading officials to capture and euthanize multiple other skunks in the area.
A release from Sacramento County said a skunk that was behaving aggressively bit the visitor on Oct. 15. Crews with the zoo captured and euthanized three nearby skunks in the Land Park area and submitted them to the Sacramento County Public Health Laboratories for rabies testing.
“That’s a very unusual thing to happen. And in talking with the people, it looked like this was a very abnormal incident,” said Dr. Jenessa Gjeltema, lead veterinarian at the zoo.
The county reported that two of the three captured skunks tested positive for rabies on Thursday. That same day, the zoo captured and euthanized a fourth skunk and sent it to the lab for testing.
Elizabeth Zelidon, a spokesperson for the county, said it remains unknown if the skunk that bit the visitor was among the four skunks captured.
Rabies, a severe infection of the nervous system, is taken seriously because if not treated promptly, it is almost always fatal for humans. Rabies can be contracted either from a bite from an animal with rabies or if saliva from an infected animal gets into an open cut or any mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.
“Once a person starts getting symptoms, we don’t have any treatment, it is almost always fatal. It’s very important that if somebody gets bitten, that they seek medical attention and get the appropriate care,” said Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Public Health Officer for Sacramento County.
According to the California Department of Public Health, rabies is found in about 200 mostly wild animals each year in the state. Rabies infections in humans are rare, with only 15 reported cases since 1980 in California.
Zelidon said the person who was bitten is being treated and is doing well.
If you have been bitten by an animal that may have rabies, the county urges you to wash the bite with soap and water, seek medical attention, and to call 311 or 916-875-4311. The county is also advising visitors to avoid contact with wild animals and to report any animals behaving oddly to local animal control.
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Discussion Section
Moderated Discussion on Here’s What You Need to Know About Rabies and Wildlife Encounters
To deepen our understanding of rabies risks and wildlife encounters, we reached out to three experts: Dr. Jenessa Gjeltema, lead veterinarian at Sacramento Zoo; Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Public Health Officer for Sacramento County; and wildlife behaviorist Dr. Andrew Swift.
Host: Thank you all for joining us today. Dr. Gjeltema, can you explain what typically leads to such unusual behavior in skunks?
Dr. Gjeltema: Thank you for having me. Skunks are generally timid creatures. This incident is indeed rare and could be indicative of an underlying health issue, possibly rabies. It’s crucial for wildlife to avoid humans; aggressive behavior often suggests something is wrong.
Host: Dr. Kasirye, you highlighted the importance of seeking medical care after a bite. What immediate actions should someone take if bitten?
Dr. Kasirye: Absolutely. First, wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water. Then, seek medical attention immediately. Rabies is serious, and as I mentioned, once symptoms appear, it’s usually too late for effective treatment.
Dr. Swift: And to add to that, people should avoid direct contact with wildlife. Making noise and scaring them away is usually the best approach. The incident of the bitten visitor should serve as a wake-up call about the risks of unexpected animal behavior.
Host: It seems preventative steps are crucial. How can the local community help keep both themselves and wildlife safe?
Dr. Gjeltema: Public education plays a big role. Knowing the signs of rabid animals, such as disorientation or unprovoked aggression, is essential.
Dr. Kasirye: Yes, and it’s vital to report any strange animal behavior to animal control. This can help mitigate potential exposures and keep our communities safe.
Host: Thank you all for your insights! Readers, what do you think about these recommendations? Have you ever encountered a wild animal that behaved unusually? Share your thoughts in the comments below!