It's not spring yet, but North Texas has already seen a record number of rabies cases. The rabies outbreak can be traced to rapid growth and the resulting construction boom. When land is cleared for construction, the wild animals who lived there are uprooted, driving them into nearby residential areas in search of food. In North Richland Hills this year, nine skunks have already tested positive for rabies.
Experts say it's the worst outbreak they've seen in years.
Environmental Services Director Pam Burney said animals like skunks, coyotes and raccoons would normally run away from humans. Children and pets are most vulnerable to a deadly rabies infection, which is spread through saliva. If we let him outside, we watch him, and skunks are not usually out by day, and we keep him up at night. Experts say keeping an eye on your pet is critical, as is vaccinating your pet. With no signs of a construction slowdown, this rabies outbreak may endure.