While we may think, the rabies virus is not something we need to worry about in the Lehigh Valley, that would be a huge mistake. Every year there are at least a few cases of rabies in wildlife reported in both Lehigh and Northampton County that have included bats, foxes, skunks, raccoons, and even kittens/cats. Every mammal is susceptible to the rabies virus. The virus attacks the nervous system and travels along the nerves from the bite wound to the brain where it multiplies and then is spread to other animals and humans through a bite or scratch where saliva has entered the body.
Report any wildlife acting abnormally to animal control or your police department.
The rabies positive animals in our area have been in the city, suburbs, and country. We have had 2 known rabid skunks on the WVMC property in the past.
The 2 rabies positive skunks found in East Allentown recently, had both had encounters with dogs.
This shows the importance of having your dogs and cats properly vaccinated for rabies as this disease is deadly and there is no cure once the rabies virus has entered the brain.
Keep pets on leashes, cats, and ferrets indoors, do not feed outside cats as this will attract skunks, raccoons, fox, and coyote, and close up any openings where bats can enter your home.
For more information, please go to the CDC website on rabies prevention in animals and people.
