The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

May 1, 2008

‘Suspicious’ acting skunk had rabies virus, test shows

Christian Giggenbach

A rabid skunk staggered into a Ronceverte front yard Saturday where children were playing, according to Greenbrier County health officials.

“The skunk curled up for a nap beside the house,” sanitarian Amanda McMichael said in a health department news release.

A local veterinarian suggested the animal should be destroyed because of its “suspicious behavior” in “broad daylight,” McMichael said.

Test results on Tuesday confirmed the skunk was carrying the rabies virus. The incident occurred on Hillcrest Drive.

“This is a residential area surrounded by woodland. However, skunks and raccoons have also been spotted within city limits,” McMichael said. “Thankfully, the children who spotted the skunk did not approach it and there was no contact reported for their family or pets.”

Domesticated pets at the home were previously vaccinated for the rabies, she said.

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