By Annie Rowe

SDN Staff Writer

The recent rains coupled with warm weather and flowering trees are proof that spring has arrived.

But the pleasant experience of springtime brings with it litters of newborn animals, most specifically -- skunks.

“We’ve had two confirmed cases of rabies so far in the county and both of them were in skunks,” said Snyder animal control officer Hope Carrillo. “None have been in domestic animals, but this may or may not be an indication of what is to come.”

Carrillo advised that there seems to have been an increase in this year’s skunk population as many residents may have already noticed.

“Skunks normally increase this time of year for many reasons, but mainly because it’s mating season. They’re getting very territorial,” she said.

Carrillo added that the rains have played a role in the number of skunks that have been spotted.

“We’ve had some rain lately and it’s not unusual to see more skunks after the rains because their dens become flooded.”

Rabies is a preventable disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported each year occur in wild animals such as raccoons, bats, foxes and skunks.

Over the past 100 years, rabies in the United States has changed dramatically. More than 90 percent of all animal cases reported annually occur in wildlife. Before 1960, the majority of rabies cases could be found in domestic animals.

The number of rabies-related human deaths has declined from more than 100 annually at the turn of the century to one or two per year in the 1990’s.

Although human rabies deaths are rare, the estimated public health costs associated with disease detection, prevention and control has risen, exceeding $300 million annually.

If one can say that the rabies problem has an upswing, it is that the disease is preventable by being aware of a few simple precautions.

It’s important for pet owners to keep vaccinations up-to-date for their animals. This requirement is important not only to keep pets from getting rabies, but also to provide a barrier of protection to humans.

Snyder Animal Control and Charles Church, DVM of West Texas Animal Clinic will sponsor a rabies vaccination clinic at the Scurry County Coliseum annex Saturday starting at 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Rabies vaccinations will be administered at a cost of $8.50. Additionally, other vaccinations available will be DHLP for dogs, $10 and Parvovirus vaccination for $8. Cats also may be vaccinated at the clinic. CVRCP will be $10 and feline Leukemia is $18.50.

Dr. Church advises pet owners to take advantage of the vaccination clinic as a measure of safety.

“It’s just like the old saying about an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. There have been two confirmed cases of rabies in skunks, so I’d advise people to get the rabies shot for their dog or cat and then they no longer have to worry about it.”

Church doesn’t believe the risk of skipping the shot is worth the chance.

“Since we’ve already had these two situations, we know it’s around. Getting the pets vaccinated is a way to protect other animals and humans,” he said.

Residents may easily spot skunks or other wild animals this time of year.

“People should know that if they see an animal acting strangely, it’s very important that they steer clear and notify animal control. Don’t take any risks,” she said.