TYLER, Texas — A skunk found in Tyler tested positive for rabies on April 4.
The Tyler Animal Services were notified by the Texas Department of State Health Services that a skunk submitted for analysis tested positive for rabies.
The skunk was found near the 3000 block of Salado Creek Drive.
In a press release, the City of Tyler said "it is critical for people not to handle bats, skunks, raccoons or other wild animals. It is important for children to tell their parents of any contact with wild animals or any sick animals. If a person is bitten by an animal, the bite incident must be reported to the Local Rabies Control Authority, Tyler Animal Services Director Shawn Markmann, for proper investigation."
Tyler Animal Services advises all pet owners to confirm their dogs and cats are vaccinated for rabies. According to the press release, preventative immunization for rabies is the only effective defense against the fatal disease.