The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

November 20, 2009

Skunk tests positive for rabies

State officials reported a positive rabies test Thursday for a skunk that had interacted with two dogs in Upper Renick in Greenbrier County.

Both dogs are reportedly current on their rabies vaccinations.

However, when an animal control officer canvassed the neighborhood, a large number of unvaccinated dogs and cats were discovered.

The total number of cases in the county this year now stands at 43; the majority of the infected animals have been raccoons.

A skunk found near Hillsboro also tested positive for rabies this week.

Keeping dogs’ and cats’ rabies vaccinations up to date is state law in West Virginia.

These animals must be vaccinated by 6 months of age and may be vaccinated as early as 3 months of age.

Anyone harboring a dog or cat who fails to do so may incur a fine from $10 to $50 per animal and/or a jail sentence of 10 to 60 days.

A dog or cat that receives a first-time rabies vaccination or whose vaccine is expired when it is revaccinated must get the next vaccine after one year.

Thereafter, the vaccine is administered every two years.

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