The Louisiana Office of Public Health Laboratory confirmed that a skunk harvested this past week in DeSoto Parish was positive for the rabies virus.
This is the third rabid animal reported in Louisiana in 2019, and the second reported in DeSoto Parish within the past seven days. A rabid skunk was also identified earlier in the year in Caddo Parish.
This emergence of the rabies virus is a reminder of the importance of appropriately administered rabies vaccines in all pet species. One should be aware that rabies surveillance in Louisiana is restricted to testing animals that potentially expose humans or pet animals. The small number of cases reported is not an indication of the actual prevalence of the disease in Louisiana wildlife.
This notice is provided with the cooperation of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.