Fourth skunk receives positive rabies test

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health on Tuesday confirmed Curry County’s fourth skunk to receive a positive rabies test this year.

A fox was also reported positive for rabies in May for a total of five rabid animals in this county this year.

There was no human exposure to the disease, and a dog that had an encounter with the skunk was up to date on rabies vaccinations, officials said. The dog received a booster shot, followed by home monitoring for 45 days.

The DPH reminds residents and visitors to be aware of animals behaving strangely, whether they are wild animals or domestic creatures, and to keep pet rabies vaccinations up to date.

Some guidelines from the department include:

• Avoid feeding wild animals, or touching wild animals whether alive or dead.

• If bitten by an animal, immediately wash the exposed site with soap and water for 10-15 minutes, report the bite to animal control and seek medical care.

• To report a sick or dead wild animal, or any wild animal acting abnormally, contact the state game and fish department at 505-476-8000.