Sheridan County Public Health is strongly committed to ensuring the continued health of its citizens, their pets and livestock by providing preventative strategies against Rabies virus which currently affects local wildlife, including bats and skunks. Animal bites may lead to fatal consequences if not properly treated. Residents should be aware of the signs of Rabies exposure, contact the appropriate authorities should they encounter suspicious animals, and practice safety habits to reduce their risk for exposure.
Sheridan County Public Health is proud to remind residents that Rabies virus is present in the area and demonstrate their commitment to protecting the health of all citizens, their pets, and livestock by providing strategies for preventing exposure to this deadly disease. As of April 30th, 2023, four skunks have tested positive for the virus, which can infect any mammal, but primarily skunks and bats in Sheridan County and Wyoming. Exposure occurs when infected saliva is introduced through a bite wound, causing brain, nervous tissue, and salivary gland infection, paralysis, and eventually death. Though not all infected animals will display symptoms, some common signs include aggressive or agitated behavior, excessive drooling or saliva production, staggering gait, seizures, and other “not normal” behavior.
If you encounter a suspicious animal in Sheridan County, contact Alan Plummer at the Sheridan Predator Management District by calling (307) 751-6012. Within Sheridan City limits, please call the Sheridan Police Department Dispatch at (307) 672-2413 to report any concerns about Rabies. For more information on how to reduce your exposure to Rabies virus, visit sheridanpublichealth.org and continue to practice safe and healthy habits.
Take pride in observing wildlife, such as bats and skunks, from a distance. Vaccinate pets for Rabies and ensure the vaccinations are up-to-date. Teach children to never approach unfamiliar animals, even if they appear friendly. If a bat is found in a home, contact a medical professional immediately. Treat all animal bites with soap and warm water and call animal control for help when nursing sick or injured animals.
In Sheridan City, contact SPD Dispatch at 307-672-2413 for reports of suspicious animals. For reports outside Sheridan City limits, contact Alan Plummer with the Sheridan Predator Management District at 307-751-6012 or call the Wyoming State Rabies hotline at 1-888-996-9104.
For more information and resources, visit the Sheridan County Public Health website or call their office at 307-672-5169.
We know that rabies is a serious public health risk in Sheridan County and Wyoming, so it is imperative that we are mindful and cautious when around any suspicious animals. We should monitor our pets for odd behavior and keep their rabies vaccinations up to date. Taking the necessary step to prevent exposure and contact with wild animals, educating ourselves and our children, being sure to observe from a distance can help us distinguish potentially sick animals, and properly treating animal bites with soap and warm water are essential measures that must be taken in order to lower the risk of contracting Rabies and following avoidable tragedy.
