ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. — The Adams County SPCA announced that there has been a confirmed case of rabies found in Adams County.
On Nov. 1, an East Berlin resident found a deceased skunk lying outside with her unvaccinated dog and the dog's nine puppies, who were two and a half weeks old.
The skunk was taken to the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory (PADLS) In Harrisburg and it was confirmed that the skunk tested positive for rabies on Nov. 2.
According to officials, the affected rabies area is between Pondtown Road and Lake Meade Road in Latimore Township.
Rabies is an infectious disease, which affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. Infection occurs through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, or if saliva from such an animal gets into the eyes, nose, mouth or an opening in the skin.
It is transmitted from animals to humans, or from animals to other animals. Each year, rabies causes approximately 59,000 human deaths worldwide, according to the Adams County SPCA.
All animal bites and scratches must be immediately reported to your family doctor so that preventive treatment can be quickly initiated. Anyone who has been bitten, scratched by or come in close contact with a stray, wild, or unfamiliar animal, should immediately contact their health care provider or call the Rabies Hotline at 877-PA HEALTH.
The Adams County SPCA recommends that members of the public take the following steps to help steer clear of potential exposure:
- All dogs and house cats, three months of age and older, are required by Pa. Law to be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Consider vaccinating livestock and horses as well.
- Reduce the possibility of your pets being exposed to rabies by not letting them roam free.
- Spaying or neutering your pet may reduce the tendency to roam or fight and, thus, reduce the chance they will be exposed to rabies.
- Do not keep your pet's food and/or water outdoors, as bowls can attract wild and stray animals.
- Keep your garbage securely covered.
- Do not touch or handle wild/unfamiliar animals, including cats and dogs, even if they appear friendly.
- Wild animals, particularly raccoons, bats and feral cats are the highest risk of exposure to rabies.
