BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) – Butte County Public Health’s (BCPH) Animal Control Program has seen an increase in skunks infected with rabies and urges residents, especially those who live in areas prone to wildlife visits, to take precautions and keep current on rabies vaccination for cats and dogs. 

Pets can become infected with rabies and spread the virus to humans.

Since mid-June, four skunks have tested positive for rabies. The infected skunks have all been located in the South part of Butte County. 

“We don’t know why we are seeing an increase in rabid skunks but will continue to monitor the situation. The public is urged not to interact with wildlife and to protect their pets from wildlife encounters, which includes keeping them current on their rabies vaccinations,” stated Danette York, Director of BCPH.

Prevent Rabies in People

Any mammal can get rabies, but the most commonly affected animals in the United States are raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Protect yourself and your family from rabies by:

Keeping cats and dogs current on rabies vaccination; Leaving all wildlife alone, including injured animals. Do not approach, touch or attempt to feed them; Calling your local animal control agency if you find an injured or rabid animal; If you are bitten by an animal, wash the bite area with soap and water and contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Prevent Rabies in Pets

Pets can become infected with rabies if they interact with infected wildlife. Protect your pets from rabies by:

Keeping cats and dogs current on rabies vaccination; Maintaining control of pets by keeping cats indoors and keeping dogs under direct supervision, especially if you live in areas prone to wildlife activity; Immediately contact your local animal control agency if you find an injured or rabid animal, or if you have any reason to believe that there has been a possible transmission of the rabies virus.

Residents who suspect there is a rabid skunk on their property or find an injured animal, such as a skunk, raccoon, fox or bat should call their local animal control agency regarding possible exposure:

If you live in the unincorporated county (including Biggs), call Butte County Animal Control: 530-552-3888; If you live in the City of Oroville, call: 530-533-7636; If you live in the City of Chico, call: 530-897-4960; If you live in the City of Gridley, call: 530-846-4825; If you live in the Town of Paradise, call: 530-872-627.