Rabies reported in two skunks in Gentry and Siloam Springs area n Rabies vaccination clinic sites announced

BENTON COUNTY -- Two skunks found in Benton County have tested positive for rabies, according to the Arkansas Health Department.

One skunk was found near Siloam Springs, the other near Gentry, according to a Health Department news release. There were no human exposures, but a dog not current on its rabies vaccination was exposed. This marks the first time skunks have tested positive in the county since 2004, and the first rabies cases in the county since 2007.

The state has had 34 animals -- 27 skunks, four bats, one cow, one cat and one dog -- test positive for rabies in 2014. Last year, 152 animals tested positive in Arkansas, triple the yearly average.

"We know having rabid skunks in an area increases the rabies threat to pets and livestock," Susan Weinstein, a state public health veterinarian. "These rabid skunks are a critical reminder to everyone to make sure their pets and livestock are current on their vaccinations."

All dogs and cats in Arkansas are required to be vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian. This protects the animal and acts as a barrier between the wildlife exposures of rabies and people since pets are more likely to be exposed than people. Any rabies vaccine given by an owner with an over-the-counter product cannot be counted as vaccinated as there's no assurance it was stored or given properly. There also is usually no documentation of a date when the vaccine was given.

Rabies can be transmitted to humans through a bite from an infected animal, or by exposure through an open wound in the skin. If not treated, the disease is almost always fatal to humans.

According to the Benton County Health Unit, April 26 to May 3 is designated Benton County Rabies Week and many veterinarians will offer rabies vaccine at a reduced rate at certain locations on certain dates, including the following:

Gravette: Dr. Harris or Dr. Benson, Country View Animal Care Clinic, 17624 Hwy. 72, will accept appointments April 22 to May 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and April 26 and May 3 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Phone 479-787-6284.

Gentry: Dr. Self, Gentry Veterinary Clinic, 21499 W. Hwy. 12, will offer the reduced rate, April 26 to May 3. Phone 479-736-2354.

Highfill: Dr. Charles Hatfield, DVM, will be at Highfill City Park, April 26 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Hiwasse: Country View Animal Care will be at the Hiwasse Fire Station, April 28 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Decatur: Country View Animal Care will be at the Decatur Fire Station, April 30 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Sulphur Springs: Country View Animal Care will be at the Sulphur Springs Park, May 1 from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Several other veterinarians in Benton County will offer rabies vaccinations at a reduced rate from April 26 through May 3. For more information on the clinics and the dates and times for vaccinations, call the Benton County Health Units in Siloam Springs at 479-549-3794, in Rogers at 479-986-1300 or Weinstein at 501-280-4136.