Some pets in Yellowstone County are being put on a 60 day quarantine after the state of Montana Tuesday confirmed a skunk tested positive for rabies.
State officials say this is the first case of rabies the state has found in an animal other than a bat in 2021.
Montana Department of Livestock Program Veterinarian Anna Forseth says the state discovered the case after the infected skunk approached two dogs and the owner shot it.
The vaccine-preventable disease is passed between mammals through saliva and can lead to death. Forseth says symptoms vary and depend on the stage of the disease.
“Some animals like skunks or raccoons that you may assume would, in a normal mindset, see you and run away, sometimes those animals are going to act more aggressive and come towards you or come towards your pets," Forseth says.
This is the first time the state has found a case of non-bat rabies in Yellowstone County since 2013, according to a press release.
The state advises pet owners to make sure their pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. The county-wide quarantine lifts on May 15. It applies to unvaccinated household animals, pets that still need a vaccine booster and pets that just recently received their first vaccine.
