Rabid skunk infects four pets in Summers County

Local News

April 28, 2008

By Christian Giggenbach The Register-Herald Mon Apr 28, 2008, 08:27 PM EDT

HINTON — A rabid skunk in Summers County exposed four unvaccinated pets last week which resulted in three dogs and one cat being euthanized, health officials say.

Summers County sanitarian Chad Meador said the skunk bit two of the animals, sprayed another one, and came in close proximity to the fourth.

“All of which were unvaccinated, so unfortunately these animals were euthanized because of that,” Meador said. “The owners of the pets had the option of strictly quarantining the animals, but they declined to do so.”

Meador said the skunk was the first positive case of rabies detected in Summers County this year. In 2007, the county reported one case and in 2006 there were six cases reported, he said. This latest incident occurred in the Forest Hill area along Seminole Road.

“Rabies can be spread by a skunk which sprays another animal,” Meador said. “We urge all pet owners to have their animals vaccinated for the rabies virus.”

Text Only

Local News

New River to offer new degree in social services
May 27, 2012
Lake Stephens plans beach blast
Ring in the summer fun with food, friends, local musicians and a beachfront atmosphere June 2 at the fifth annual Lake Stephens Beach Blast.

May 27, 2012
Rahall speaks at Meadow Bridge graduation event
Representative Nick J. Rahall spoke at the Meadow Bridge High School graduation Saturday, commending the school and graduates on their decade-long 100 percent voter registration.

May 27, 2012
Boating accident claims man during camping trip
A Fayette County man is dead after a boating accident during a family camping trip Saturday, reported Jeff West, Chief Ranger for the New River Gorge National River.

May 27, 2012
Calendar — Sunday, May 27, 2012
May 27, 2012
A fun day at school
Students who participated in a school fundraiser at Cranberry-Prosperity Elementary School sprayed their principal Becky Smith during a hot Friday. Smith was decked out in flippers, goggles and floaties during the fun. Smith paraded past students as they drenched her with water guns.

May 26, 2012 1 Photo
Grads ‘trying to pay it forward’
May 26, 2012
Mount Hope woman aims to help youths live better lives
May 26, 2012 1 Photo
Pool season to begin this weekend
May 26, 2012
Safety key while boating in Mountain State
May 26, 2012
More Local News Headlines