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Rabies and Skunks

Unfortunately for skunk owners, skunks are considered a "rabies vector" species and there is currently no rabies vaccine that is approved for skunks.  Because of this, if any skunk bites a human, even a pet skunk, the skunk must be put to sleep and tested for rabies. 

This is heartbreaking for everybody concerned.  The only way to solve this problem is to get a vaccine and quarantine period approved for skunks.  In rare cases, the skunk's life can be saved if the bitten party agrees to go through the post-exposure series.  However, many people are either unwilling or unable to do this.  In most cases this is not even an option.  So, the safest route for skunks is a vaccine and quarantine period.

Aspen Skunk Rabies Research, Inc.  is an organization that was formed to do just that.  For more information on rabies and ASRR, please visit www.aspenskunk.org.