Laura Chavarria, director of the Williamson County Animal Center, 106 Claude Yates Dr. in Franklin, TN reports that a skunk found in Williamson County has tested positive for rabies. Chavarria said, “On March 12, two dogs belonging to a Brentwood family attacked a skunk on the family’s property. The skunk was badly injured, and Williamson County Animal Center responded. Since skunks are known rabies carriers, we followed procedure to euthanize and test the skunk.”
On March 13, Chavarria received a positive rabies report from the State of Tennessee Department of Health’s Division of Environmental Health. “The skunk tested positive for rabies,” she said, “but fortunately the two dogs that came in contact with the skunk were current on their rabies vaccinations. They are on a required two-week home quarantine, but they are well at this time. As an added precaution, are receiving rabies boosters from the family’s veterinarian.”
Chavarria cautioned all pet owners to keep rabies vaccinations current on all pets. “Current rabies vaccinations are required by state law for dogs and cats, and people need to know that rabies is a 100% fatal disease that can be transmitted from skunks and other wildlife to pets and then to humans. Protecting your pets also protects your family.”
The Williamson County Animal Center will team up with local veterinary clinics in April to offer their annual $10 rabies shots at convenient locations throughout the county. “I urge all pet owners to take advantage of these low-cost shots,” Chavarria stated. “This is especially important now that we have had a skunk test positive.” All clinics are on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The fee includes a one-year shot and a required collar tag. Bring cash or check, please.
April 4: College Grove Elementary; Fairview Elementary; Sunset Elementary; Grassland Elementary; Trinity Elementary; and Bethesda Deli & Market.
April 11: Centennial High; Lipscomb Elementary; Hunters Bend Elementary; Hillsboro Middle; Longview Elementary; Winstead Elementary.
April 18: New Nolensville Elementary; Chapman’s Retreat Elementary; Franklin High; Scales Elementary; Page Middle; Westwood Elementary; Crockett Elementary.
April 25: Edmondson Elementary; Brentwood Middle, Oakview Elementary; Clovercroft Elementary; Walnut Grove Elementary; Independence High; Fox Grocery in Leiper’s Fork.
For additional information, call the Williamson County Animal Center at (615) 790-5590.
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