On Thursday, September 7, 2023, at approximately 3:42 PM, Paris Animal Control Officers swiftly responded to alarming reports from concerned residents in the 1100 block of Cope and the 4400 block of Pine Mill in North East Paris. The calls described a skunk that was behaving strangely and appeared to be sick. What unfolded next has raised concerns about the potential spread of a dangerous disease in the area.
Upon arrival at the scene, animal control officers discovered the skunk in question and immediately captured the animal. Subsequent testing, carried out by health authorities, confirmed the troubling news: the skunk was infected with rabies.
This discovery has prompted the Paris Police Department to issue a public alert urging residents in the affected area to exercise heightened vigilance. Authorities are particularly concerned about the safety of pets and are advising pet owners to take precautionary measures.
What Residents Should Do:
1. Report Strange Behavior: If you spot any stray dogs, cats, or wild animals in the area exhibiting unusual or aggressive behavior, do not approach them. Instead, contact local animal control immediately.
2. Pet Safety: Ensure that your pets are kept indoors or in a secure, fenced area, especially during the evening and nighttime hours when wild animals are more active.
3. Avoid Wild Animals: Warn your pets to stay away from wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, and bats.
4. Suspected Exposure: If you suspect that your pet has been exposed to a wild animal or if your pet displays any abnormal behavior, contact your veterinarian without delay. Early intervention is crucial in cases of potential rabies exposure.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can affect both animals and humans. It is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches. Once symptoms appear, rabies can be fatal. Common signs of rabies infection in cats and dogs can be found at the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/symptoms/index.html.
Residents are urged to share this information with neighbors and friends to ensure that everyone in the affected area remains well-informed and takes appropriate precautions. By working together, the community can help protect both humans and animals from the threat of rabies.
The Paris Police Department and local animal control officers will continue to provide updates on this situation as more information becomes available. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay cautious and report any suspicious animal activity promptly.
For any additional information or concerns, please contact the Paris Police Department or your local veterinarian.
