People know skunks for their unique black-and-white look and strong spray that they use to protect themselves. But what’s less talked about but just as important are the diseases and health risks that come with skunks. Skunks can get sick, and they can also spread diseases that can be dangerous to people and pets. This piece talks about skunk diseases that aren’t caused by the spray. It sheds light on these health problems and how to deal with them.
Rabies: A Danger That Can Kill
Rabies is one of the biggest worries when it comes to skunks and how they spread disease. In North America, skunks are one of the main places where rabies gets into wildlife. The central nervous system is affected by this virus, which can cause serious neurological symptoms. The main way that the disease is spread is through animal saliva, usually through bites or cuts.
When a sick skunk bites or scratches someone, their pet, or another animal, they can give them rabies. If you touch open wounds or mucous areas with a rabid skunk’s saliva, the virus can also be spread. When people are close to skunks, they are more likely to get rabies.
Health Risks Linked to Skunks
Skunks can give people and pets a number of illnesses and health risks, including:
- Leptospirosis: Skunks can carry the bacterial disease leptospirosis and give it to other animals. People and animals can get this disease by touching water, soil, or objects that are contaminated. Symptoms may include fever, aches and pains in the muscles, and in the worst cases, damage to the kidneys and liver.
- Roundworms: Skunks are known to carry roundworms, and the eggs they lay can affect other animals. If people or animals eat these eggs, they can get very sick, including losing their sight or damaging their organs.
- Ticks and Fleas: Skunks can carry ticks and fleas, which can spread to your property and make people and dogs sick. Lyme disease is often spread by ticks, while fleas can cause itching, allergies, and even the transmission of germs.
- Parasitic Infections: Skunks can have different kinds of parasites, and if they are near you, these parasites can get into your pets or people.
Preventative Steps
People and dogs should take the following steps to avoid getting skunk diseases and lower the health risks that come with them:
- Avoid Close Contact: No matter how healthy it looks, you should never get close to or touch a skunk. Stay away from these dangerous animals and don’t touch them.
- Vaccinations for dogs: Make sure that all of your dogs’ shots, including rabies shots, are up to date. This keeps their health safe and also helps keep the disease from spreading to people.
- Preventing skunks from living on your property: To prevent skunks from moving in, seal off any possible entry spots under decks, sheds, or porches.
- Ticks and Fleas Prevention: Use the right preventative measures, like topical medicines or collars, to keep your pets safe from ticks and fleas.
- Teach Children: Talk to your kids about the dangers of wild animals, like skunks, and tell them not to touch or deal with them.
- Report Weird Behaviour: If you see skunks in your area, be aware of any strange behaviour they might be showing, like falling or being angry. Tell the wildlife officials in your area about any animals you think might be rabid.
Finally, skunks might be more than just the source of a strong smell. Don’t forget that they can carry diseases and pose health risks. Even though the risks aren’t very high, these illnesses can have very bad effects. To protect people and pets’ health in areas where skunks live, responsible pet ownership, public education, and the right preventative steps are essential. Beyond the spray, you can lessen the dangers of skunk diseases by learning about the possible risks and taking the right measures.
At Skunk Control Barrie,guarantees complete skunk removal using industry-standard methods that have been time-tested on numerous cases before and are approved by the federal and provincial governments.