Information provided by the County of San Benito. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
On March 26, 2025, a deceased wild skunk was discovered at a private residence in Aromas and tested for rabies. Laboratory results confirmed that the skunk was infected with the virus.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease transmitted through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. Prompt post-exposure vaccination is the only way to prevent the disease, as rabies is fatal without treatment.
If you encounter a wild animal, do not attempt to touch it. If you are bitten by a wild animal, seek immediate medical attention. Protect your pets by ensuring their rabies vaccinations are up to date. Contact your veterinarian to confirm that your pets are properly vaccinated.
Rabies is most commonly found in animals such as bats, skunks, foxes, raccoons, and bobcats. Behavioral signs of rabid animals, whether wild or domestic, can include staggering, restlessness, aggression, unusual barking or growling, or difficulty breathing.
If you or a loved one is bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal, or one suspected of having rabies, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water and seek medical care from a healthcare professional.
If you come across a domestic animal that is sick, injured, deceased, orphaned, or displaying unusual behavior, do not approach it. Instead, contact Hollister Animal Control at 831-636-4320.
If you encounter a wild animal in the same condition, contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Central Region Field Office at 559-243-4005. Please reserve this number for situations that do not pose an immediate threat to public safety. For urgent threats, dial 911.
Under no circumstances should you handle the animal yourself.
For additional information visit:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Rabies.aspx
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