The Michigan departments of Health and Human Service, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and Rural Development are partnering with local health departments to notify Michigan residents about potential rabies exposure from skunks purchased in the past six months.
A skunk acquired from Countryside Feather Farm/Rose’s Skunks in Attica, MI or a connected Chesterfield Township/New Baltimore seller, tested positive for rabies on Nov. 29th. Authorities suspect that rehabilitated wild skunks may have mingled with captive ones at the New Baltimore location.
Possession of skunks requires a permit from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and illegal activities are under investigation. Residents who bought skunks from these facilities are urged to contact veterinarians for examinations due to rabies risks, with public health officials emphasizing immediate action if signs of illness or death occur.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
