Another rabid skunk was reported last week in the Canadian area, bringing to three the number of positive rabies cases reported in Hemphill County to date this year.

The latest case was reported on Friday, Aug. 30. A skunk was seen on the southeast perimeter of Canadian, at 8:45 am, and was described as wandering around a field just beyond the city limits, exhibiting a slight limp.

The observer watched the skunk while waiting for the animal control officer to arrive. Upon his arrival, the city employee shot the skunk, and then submitted it for rabies testing. The positive rabies report was returned on Thursday, Sept. 5.

There are no known human or animal exposures to the rabid animal.

Other confirmed reports of rabid skunks occurred on March 26 near the intersection of Ash and Willard Streets, and on April 29 in the 600 block of Houston.

The public should be alert to and aware of this danger, and take some simple precautionary measures:

•Don’t approach or handle wild animals.

•Vaccinate your pets.

•Report any sighting of an animal behaving strangely.

•Report stray animals in your neighborhood.

Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the central nervous system in mammals. It’s transmitted through saliva a few days before death, when the animal “sheds” the virus. Rabies is not transmitted through blood, urine, or feces of an infected animal, nor is it spread airborne through the open environment.

Any warm-blooded animal can carry or contract rabies, but the primary carriers are raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes. According to the Humane Society, in the “furious” form, a rabid animal may appear to be agitated—biting or snapping at imaginary and real objects—and may drool excessively. In the “dumb” form, wild animals may appear tame and seem to have no fear of humans. In addition, a typically nocturnal animal, such as a raccoon or skunk, may be active during the day and exhibit abnormal behavior if it is rabid.

If you see any animal behaving strangely, or if you notice stray animals in your neighborhood, please report to the city Animal Control officer by calling 806. 323.6473. During non-business hours, contact the Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office at 806.323.5324.

Also, make sure your pet’s shots are current. If they need to be updated, please call Canadian Veterinary Clinic at 806.323.5395 or High Plains Veterinary Services at 806.323.8387 to arrange for vaccination.