Independence
24/7
is
part
of
the
24/7
Network
of
Local
News
and
Community
Directory
Web
Sites,
published
by JJC Media.
The
aim of the 24/7 Network is to provide local residents with
information about the area, prospective residents with a relocation
guide and advertisers with access to that traffic.
This
site
is
free
to
visit
and
provides
Independence
Iowa
News
updates
and
can
be
used
as
a
move
to
town
guide.
Posting
information
on
the
site
is
also
free.
Please
let
us
know
about
your
groups
events
and
programs. E-mail
media releases,
pictures, video or information about your event or use this handy form!
The
sites on the 24/7 Network are advertiser supported. For more
information about advertising on the sites click here.
|
News
|
Do
Not Keep Skunks as Pets!
Posted 22 July 2010
A northwest Iowa
family's experience is evidence not all cute creatures are cuddly. The
family found a baby skunk and brought it into their home to raise as a
pet. When the skunk became ill several weeks later, a vet was called.
The skunk was tested and found to have rabies. The consequences of
trying to keep this skunk as a pet has been a painful reminder that
wild animals should stay in the wild.
"This is a classic example of a good-hearted person trying to help a
wild creature," said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk.
"Unfortunately, even the cutest of wild animals can carry a variety of
diseases that are harmful to humans and other animals. In Iowa, skunks
are the reservoir for the rabies virus and all Iowa skunks should be
considered potentially rabid. "
In the case of the northwest Iowa woman, the skunk was likely infected
with rabies before it was brought into the home. Since the skunk was
rabid:
- All five family
members are receiving the rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin;
- approximately 20
other family members and friends who came in contact with the skunk are
being assessed for exposure to rabies, and at least 6 others are
receiving rabies shots;
- and the unvaccinated
family dog will have to be put into quarantine for six months, or
euthanized.
There are ways to prevent rabies:
- Avoid contact with
all wild animals, especially skunks and bats.
- Vaccination of pets
against rabies is the best way to reduce human exposure.
- Do not keep any wild
animals as pets, especially skunks and bats.
- Animals that have had
contact with any animal acting strangely or that might have rabies
should be immediately reported to a veterinarian.
To see the 2009 Iowa
Rabies Summary, visit here.
|
|
The Goal
of Independence 24/7 is to provide the most up to date information
possible!
Independence 24/7 features Independence Iowa News and provides a
relocation guide
for Independence, Iowa.
Please let us know if anything on this site needs updating, if your
group is having an event, or if you have a news story.
We publish a network of similar sites, The 24/7 News Network.
If your information pertains to more than one of our sites, we'll
spread the word.
Phone: 563-599-4810
e-mail Information to:
info@buchanan247.com
Or
Post information Using This Form: |
|
Please Support this
Site by Clicking on Our Sponsor's Ads
 
 
|
