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Rabid Skunks Attack Two Dogs; Animal Officer Fears Outbreak

November 12, 2008 - WINDSOR — Two incidents in which rabid skunks have attacked dogs have the animal control officer for several area towns worried there is an outbreak of the disease among wild animals in the area.

The owners of the two dogs have their pets under 45-day quarantines to make sure the animals have not contracted the disease.

Animal control officer Howard Morang said one dog was bitten three or four weeks ago. The other was attacked Thursday, but a veterinarian said it did not appear the dog was actually bitten by the rabid skunk.

Both attacks occurred near the Windsor Fairgrounds and Windsor four corners, said Morang, who is animal control officer for Windsor, Vassalboro, Chelsea, Randolph, Pittston, Hallowell and Manchester.

He said both skunks were confirmed to be rabid, and he's received complaints about other animals in the area, including a raccoon with a face full of porcupine quills that reportedly has chased animals and people in Vassalboro.

"We've got skunks going into dog pens and attacking the dogs – that's not the way life should be," Morang said. "I hadn't seen any rabies cases for quite some time; now it's two all of a sudden in that area of Windsor, so now I'm scared. My guess is we've got a herd of skunks that are infected."

State and county data indicate the number of reported rabies cases this year and last is not beyond the norm.

Don Hoenig, state veterinarian, said Maine has had 49 confirmed rabies cases this year. There were 86 last year, and 127 in 2006. The number of cases peaked in 1998, at 248.

Hoenig said rabies tends to occur in geographical pockets, as wild animals spread the disease to other animals, which is what could be occurring in Windsor.

Pets that are not up to date on their rabies vaccine and are exposed to a rabid animal are recommended for euthanasia.

By KEITH EDWARDS, Kennebec Journal November 8, 2008


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Regions: Belgrade, Bangor


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