Rabid skunk confirmed from Garland County

For the first time this year, a skunk was confirmed positive for rabies east of Hot Springs, on Malvern Highway near the Hot Spring County line, according to State Public Health Veterinarian Susan Weinstein.

In an email last Tuesday to Hot Springs Animal Services Director Dan Bugg, Weinstein reported confirming the rabid skunk the day before.  It was caught by a homeowner who had set out rat traps in his barns.  There was no exposure to other people or animals.

Weinstein noted that this case was not anywhere near the others reported thus far this year.  “All the others so far have been west of Lake Hamilton and the city of Hot Springs itself, and all within a 5-7 mile radius,” Weinstein reported.  “The ones this year in Hot Spring County have been east of I-30 and south of Malvern, with two being very close together, 2 others being very close together, and the last one fairly distant from the others.”  The attached map from Weinstein shows confirmed animal rabies cases by Arkansas county, as of June 19.

A total of more than 900 area dogs and cats have been vaccinated at free clinics held on June 2, 9 and 16 in school parking lots.  The Garland County Quorum Court and City of Hot Springs have approved a combined total amount not to exceed $8,500 for the cost of the vaccines.  Donations from many clinic attendees have covered more than half the clinic costs to date, and volunteers have helped staff the clinics.  The date and location of a final clinic to be held in the south Hot Springs area have not yet been confirmed.

Area residents are reminded not to approach a skunk or bat that is active during the daytime, as both are nocturnal animals.  If daytime activity is observed, call Animal Services promptly at 262-2091.