Following the diagnosis of rabies in a skunk near Huntley in Yellowstone County on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, some pets in the county are being placed under a 60-day quarantine.
This means that all non-vaccinated or not currently vaccinated dogs, cats, and ferrets in Yellowstone County are to remain in the county for no less than 60 days from the date of the last known case of rabies. Any dog, cat or ferret in Yellowstone County having been properly immunized against rabies for the first time may be released from the quarantine area after a period of 28 days from the date of vaccination. Any dog, cat or ferret in Yellowstone County that is past-due on the rabies vaccine may be immediately released from the quarantine area following administration of a booster vaccine. The Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) will provide written notification when the quarantine is released. The anticipated date of the end of the quarantine is May 15, 2021.
Rabies can present in several ways. Some of the common signs in domestic pets would include fearfulness, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, paralysis and seizures. Aggressive behavior is common but not present in all cases. According to Anna Forseth, DVM, MS, Program Veterinarian with the Montana Department of Livestock, “It is also reported that some animals present uncharacteristically affectionate when infected with this virus. Skunks tend to be nocturnal animals, so seeing them out in the daytime hours and interacting with pets is something that should really be a red flag for pet owners.”
Dave Salys, owner of Big Sky Wildlife Control in Ballantine, has twenty years of experience dealing with various species of wildlife in the area, including skunks, raccoons, snakes, porcupines, and beavers. Last year he dealt with approximately 50 skunks in the area, which is double the number for a normal year. It was an indicator to him that rabies was coming soon, as there is a greater number of animals to contract and pass along the disease. Salys reiterated that skunks are traditionally nocturnal animals, so if you see a skunk wandering around during the day, you have a problem. “If they are staggering around, acting erratically or aggressively, you need to stay away and contact someone to deal with it.” Salys specializes in odor-free skunk removal that is also safe to pets. He can be reached at his office by calling (406) 967-2022.
Forseth reminds residents that “the rabies vaccine is incredibly effective, and we strongly encourage all residents to vaccinate their pets if they have not done so, or verify that pets are not past due for a booster vaccine.” Any contact between a pet and a wild animal, including skunks and bats, should be reported to a veterinarian or to the MDOL by calling (406) 444-2976.
