Rabies case confirmed in McDonald County

The McDonald County Health Department reports that a dog from the county was confirmed positive for rabies by the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory.

The dog was seen and euthanized at a Newton County veterinary clinic but the exposure likely occurred in the northwest are of McDonald County, possibly from exposure to a skunk.

What you need to know:

• 90% of rabies cases occur in wildlife (bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes).
• Incubation in pets is typically 3-12 weeks. 
• Early signs: “regardless of species, are sudden behavioral changes (friendly pets becoming reclusive or vice versa) and unexplained progressive paralysis.
• Later stages: aggression, biting, paralysis, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing.

Protect your pets and family.  Remember to keep domestic animals vaccinated; avoid contact with wild animals and report suspicious animal behavior to local authorities.

Rabis is fatal once symptoms appear. Prevention is the key!