Officials have announced that the Pima Animal Care Center has more than a dozen animals in quarantine after they were exposed to a skunk with the disease in Amado.
According to the County:
A woman called Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) on June 4 saying she and several animals had been exposed to a possibly rabid skunk about two weeks prior.
Animal Protection Officers removed 15 cats and kittens and two dogs from the property. The woman and exposed family members, neighbors and all the animals are being treated for rabies exposure. The two dogs will be on 45-day quarantines as they have had prior rabies vaccines. The cat/kittens will all have 120-day quarantines due to no previous vaccine history. The skunk died and was buried. Four of the kittens died and two of the deceased kittens tested positive for rabies.
PACC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Wilcox recommends residents living in areas where pets may come into contact with wildlife get a booster rabies vaccine for their pets and livestock, and that they keep them under close observation over the next several months, looking for any changes in behavior or health. PACC also recommends all Pima County residents vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies, whether they reside indoors or out.
Rabies is found in skunks and other wildlife fairly regularly in Southern Arizona. This is the first case involving a domestic animal in several years. All pet owners in Pima County should ensure their pets have up-to-date rabies vaccines.