Bat Rabies Found in Gooding Skunk Case

Bat rabies has been confirmed in tests of a skunk that recently bit a rural Gooding girl. Because the bite came from a terrestrial animal rather than a bat, Idaho health authorities, both veterinarians and physicians, were concerned that the terrestrial form of the disease might show up in the state. The terrestrial form of the dangerous disease can be passed among wild and domestic animals, representing a serious risk to humans as well. Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Mark Drew said the bat form of rabies is well known in Idaho and usually turns up in as many as two dozen cases each year, though only seven cases were reported in 2004. Bat rabies is considered self-limiting and rarely affects humans. The Gooding girl was treated immediately. Her brother was able to shoot the skunk at the time of the attack that occurred near her house and triple bagged the animal for transport to a local vet. Tests were confirmed by federal health authorities