WARNING: Rabies Alert For Lubbock County

Lubbock Health Officials are sounding the alarm after a rabies case was confirmed in Lubbock County. Officials with the City of Lubbock announced the health alert on Friday and confirmed that the case is the first in Lubbock this year.

According to a press release, a skunk found in northwest Lubbock County tested positive for rabies. Animals with rabies can infect other animals that haven't been vaccinated against rabies. Lubbock officials urge citizens that domestic animals are required by law to be vaccinated against the disease. Officials also warn residents to avoid wildlife during the day including coyotes, bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes.

Rabies can be transmitted to humans though the saliva of an infected animal.

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According to the press release, Lubbock officials offered the following precautions:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
• Keep your pets under direct supervision so they do not come in contact with wild animals. If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and report to Lubbock Animal Services so the animal may be placed in rabies observation or submitted for rabies testing.
• Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals with open garbage cans or litter.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
• Teach children never to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.

For more questions or to report a stray animal, contact Lubbock Animal Services at 806-775-2057.