The Indiana Department of Health is urging residents to vaccinate their pets against rabies and to exercise caution around wildlife after skunk rabies was detected in two southern Indiana counties. While skunk rabies is common in northern Kentucky, these are the first cases reported in Indiana since 2004. Fortunately, no human infections have been reported.
To minimize the risk of rabies:
Ensure dogs, cats, and ferrets are vaccinated against rabies.
Keep cats and ferrets indoors and dogs on a leash or supervised when outdoors.
Avoid contact with stray animals and wildlife.
Spay or neuter pets to reduce the number of stray animals.
Report stray animals to animal control or law enforcement for removal.
