On Thursday, January 11, Bedford Animal Services responded to reports of a skunk attacking two dogs near Silverwood Lane. Upon arrival, officers discovered the skunk deceased and sent it for testing. Results confirmed the skunk was positive for rabies.
As of now, no other human or animal exposures to the skunk have been reported. The dogs involved in the incident, already vaccinated for rabies, show no symptoms and are under close monitoring for precautionary measures.
Bedford Animal Services is actively informing residents in the immediate neighborhood. If you live on Silverwood Lane or nearby, pet owners are advised to:
- Monitor vaccinated pets for the next 45 days while outdoors.
- Check animals for bite wounds; seek immediate vet attention if wounds are present.
- Ensure pets are vaccinated for rabies; schedule appointments if necessary.
- If already vaccinated, contact the vet for a booster shot.
Residents with concerns about their pet's exposure can contact Bedford Animal Shelter at 817-952-2191 or seek immediate care from a veterinarian. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) emphasizes that anyone bitten should be evaluated for rabies exposure immediately.
Additionally, the City of Bedford requires all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age, following intervals per Texas Health and Safety Code.
To prevent rabies transmission, residents are reminded to:
- Avoid allowing pets to interact with wildlife.
- Keep garage containers closed and inaccessible.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Educate children on safe interactions with both domestic and wild animals.
Signs of a rabid wild animal include difficulty walking, eating, hypersensitivity to light and sound, aggression, and excessive drooling. For more information on wildlife and rabies symptoms, visit the City's website. If concerned, residents can contact DSHS at 817-264-4920 during business hours or 817-825-9230 after hours.
