On Thursday, March 4, 2020, a dead skunk was found in the 1000 block of SW 7th Avenue that has tested positive for rabies. The deceased animal was located on private property, near a heavily wooded area adjacent the neighborhood in southwest Mineral Wells
A resident reported discovering the downed skunk to Mineral Wells Animal Control. After animal control officers responded to the scene, the skunk was retrieved and sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory in Austin, Texas, for testing. Positive rabies virus results on the skunk were returned to Mineral Wells Animal Control on March 11, 2020.
It is currently unknown if any persons or pets may have come in contact with that skunk. Animal Control officials are attempting to notifying residents in the immediate vicinity of this incident.
In cases where a person or pet may have had contact with a skunk, or to report any downed wildlife, especially skunks, residents should contact Animal Control via the non-emergency 24-hour number for the Mineral Wells Police Department at (940) 328-7770.
According to Animal Control officers, skunks should never be handled or picked up if found.
All concerns about possible contact with a skunk should be directed to the Texas Department of State Health Services at (888)-963-7111 or your health care provider.
For additional information about rabies, including how to recognize the signs of rabies in animals, check out the Texas Department of State Health Services rabies page:
dshs.texas.gov/idcu/disease/rabies/information/pamphlet
Mineral Wells Police Chief Dean Sullivan reminds all pets owners, “Be responsible and protect your pets. Please make sure your furbabies have their shot records up to date and stay current on rabies vaccination.”