I read about this today in the Billlings Gazette.  If you are a pet owner, you need to be aware that there is a quarantine in Big Horn County.  According to the t.v. news station KTVQ "The Department of Livestock issued a quarantine order on Wednesday after a skunk tested positive for rabies".

This of course, means that any and all dogs, cats or even ferrets are unable to leave the county for at least 60 days from the date the rabies was confirmed in Big Horn County.  May 11th is the estimated date that travel for pets can resume(as of this date and time) from this county. Subject to change of course.

It does look like there are(at this time) five dogs suspected of infected at this time.   It will take time in order for the disease to show itself.  Cross your fingers that these poor pets are not infected  This is a horrible disease.

Wikipedia has this to say about Rabies:

Rabies (/ˈrbz/; from Latinrabies, "madness") is a viral disease that causes acute inflammation of the brain in humans and other warm-blooded animals.[1] The time period between contacting the disease and the start of symptoms is usually one to three months; however can be less than one week or more than one year.[1] The time depending on the distance the virus must travel to reach the central nervous system.[2] Early symptoms may include: fever and tingling at the site of exposure.[1] This is then followed by either violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, and fear of water or an inability to move parts of the body and confusion that leads to loss of consciousness.[1] In both cases once symptoms appears it nearly always results in death

See what I mean?  Rabies is awful!  Make sure your pets are vaccinated against it!  If not? Get to the vet now! Here's a link to a vet I absolutely love, Skyview Veterinary Hospital. Dr. McLane and his great staff will help you with any questions you may have if you are concerned, or if you are even looking for a good vet for your pet.

I would die 1000 deaths if one of my pets got this.  What a horrible way to die.  Remember, humans can contract this disease as well. Have you ever had a pet with rabies?  Or had a friend's pet with it?  It's awful right?

 

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