Indiana's 1st case of skunk rabies in 20 years is a 'wake-up call for all Hoosiers,' state health experts say

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- For the first time in 20 years, a rabid skunk was found in Indiana, and state health officials said the case was detected in Clark County.

The Indiana Department of Health said in a news release Tuesday that skunk rabies was confirmed in Clark County, the first case in Indiana since 2004.

"This may signal increased risk for people and animals in the region," Indiana State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Jen Brown said. "This is a wake-up call for all Hoosiers to ensure that their pets are vaccinated against this deadly disease."

Another case was detected recently in northern Kentucky.

The Clark County Health Department said "no human infections are suspected." The deadly viral infection is primarily spread in saliva through being bitten by an infected animal, health officials said.

Indiana health officials urged Hoosiers to vaccinate their dogs, cats and ferrets against rabies. Here are four more tips to protect yourself and your pets:

Keep cats and ferrets indoors and dogs under direct supervision
Leave stray animals and wildlife alone
Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of unwanted or stray animals in the community
Contact animal control or law enforcement to remove stray animals from your neighborhood

Rabies is a viral infection spread in saliva and through the bite of an infected animal, IDH said. It isn't spread through blood, urine, feces or skunk spray.

For more safety tips, click here.

For more information about rabies from the Indiana Health Department, click here.

Contact your veterinarian's office for information about getting your pets vaccinated.

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