Skunk Killed By Dog Tests Positive For Rabies, First Case In Monterey County

MARINA (CBS SF) -- Police are warning Marina residents of a dead skunk found in a city neighborhood that tested positive for rabies last week, police said Wednesday.

Animal Control officers responded to a report of a dead skunk in the 200 block of Michael Drive on Thursday, according to police.

An officer responded to the scene and was told by a homeowner that their dog killed the skunk, police said.

The skunk was transported to Monterey County Animal Services per protocol in the event that a skunk, frequently known to carry rabies, makes contact with other animals or humans.

This is the only known case of a dead skunk testing positive for rabies to have occurred within Marina city limits, police said.

The dog that killed the skunk is under quarantine and police do not know if other animals made contact with the skunk, according to police.

Pet owners are reminded to make sure their animal has updated rabies vaccinations, as city code requires all dogs to be vaccinated every two years once they are four months old, police said.

More information on rabies is available at www.cdc.gov/rabies.

Those looking for more information on low-cost rabies vaccinations in Monterey County may visit their website.

Those who think they or their pets have been exposed to rabies is asked to call the Marina Police Department's Animal Control Officer at (831) 384-7575.

© Copyright 2014 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.