Rabid Skunk Found in Mentor

A rabid skunk was collected in the northwest part of Mentor after it had an encounter with two unvaccinated dogs, according to the Lake County General Health District.

To make sure they don't spread the disease, the dogs will be subject to a six-month quarantine.

This is the second rabid skunk found this year in Mentor.

The first was located about two miles west in the northern, middle portion of Mentor in mid-July. It was captured during a routine Trap, Vaccinate and Release operation carried out by the USDA Wildlife Services.

The skunk is believed to be infected with raccoon strain rabies. Since 2004, 136 animals with raccoon strain rabies have been found in Lake County, according to the health district.

Health departments in northeast Ohio have distributed rabies vaccine for raccoons to eat. However, the vaccine is not effective in skunks. A new vaccine for skunks is undergoing trials and it is hoped it will be available for use locally next year.

This comes shortly after a was found in the same part of the city.

Lake County General Health District offered four tips to prevent the spread of rabies:

• Avoid contact with wild, sick or injured animals, and animals you don’t know. Any pet or human encounter with skunks, bats, raccoons, fox or coyotes should be reported to the LCGHD for evaluation of the circumstances to determine if a possible rabies exposure has occurred.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
• Vaccinate your pets against rabies. Rabies vaccination of all pet cats, dogs and ferrets is mandatory in Lake County. This requirement also applies to indoor pets because, in some instances, a potentially rabid animal (especially bats) may get into the house.
• Call your doctor or veterinarian if you or your pets are bitten.

Citizens can call the Lake County General Health District at 440-350-2543 to report dead or sick animals and animals with odd behavior.