Roadkill Raises Rabies Concern - KAUZ-TV: Newschannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

Roadkill Raises Rabies Concern

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Newschannel 6 continues to look out for you and your health. We took some of your concerns, about the health risks surrounding a lot of roadkill on Texoma roads, straight to Wichita Falls Animal Services. 

Several viewers wrote on our Facebook Page or contacted the station about the amount of roadkill and whether people or their pets are at a higher risk of contracting rabies.

Animal Services Administrator Katrena Mitchell said. "Animals are coming out of their winter dormancy. It's also mating season as soon as spring rolls around and things warm up, so we're going to start to see more and more wildlife coming into the city."

Mitchell said any domestic pets over 4 months old need to be vaccinated against rabies and humans should avoid any contact with roadkill or animals behaving erratically. She said, "If they're out during the day or they're not acting right or they're approaching humans or pets - raccoons and skunks will usually be scared so they'll take off. If they show no fear or they are acting in a different way give Animal Control a call or law enforcement if yore outside the city here."

Bats, foxes, coyotes, skunks and raccoons are some of the largest carriers of the rabies virus in Texas. If you are exposed and don't get a shot before showing symptoms, the virus is nearly always fatal.

Mitchell said if you see an animal behaving strangely, or spot any roadkill, give them a call at (940) 761-8894.

Jack Lamson, Newschannel 6

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