Sonora, CA…Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Animal Control and Public Health are notifying residents that two skunks from separate locations within Tuolumne County have recently tested positive for rabies.

Confirmed locations include:
• Upper Tuolumne Road
• Mid Tuolumne Road

All domestic animals known to have been exposed have been identified and are currently under quarantine. Appropriate containment, monitoring, and public safety measures are actively being carried out.

At this time, the overall risk to the public remains low; however, rabies remains a serious and fatal disease that requires immediate caution and public awareness.

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, including wildlife, domestic pets, livestock, and humans. The virus is transmitted primarily through bites or exposure to infected saliva. Once clinical symptoms develop, rabies is nearly always fatal.

Public Safety Information
Residents are urged to avoid contact with wildlife, especially skunks, bats, raccoons, foxes, and any animal displaying abnormal behavior.Signs that may indicate rabies include:
• Aggression or unusual tameness
• Staggering or difficulty walking
• Excessive salivation
• Disorientation
• Paralysis
• Wildlife active during unusual hours

Vaccination Is Critical
Vaccination remains the most effective defense against rabies exposure. Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Animal Control strongly encourages residents to ensure that:
• Dogs and cats are current on rabies vaccinations
• Horses, goats, cattle, and other susceptible livestock are vaccinated when appropriate under veterinary guidance
• Domestic animals are supervised outdoors
• Feed sources are secured to avoid attracting wildlife Vaccinated domestic animals and livestock provide an important barrier between wildlife disease exposure and human safety.

Reporting Is Essential
Residents should immediately report:
• Wildlife acting abnormally
• Any animal bite or scratch involving wildlife, animals, or humans
• Domestic animals exposed to wildlife
• Any bite or scratch involving domestic animals with humans Prompt reporting allows rapid investigation, testing, quarantine when necessary, and helps protect the community from further exposure. Anyone observing suspicious wildlife or possible rabies exposure should contact Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Animal Control immediately. Community cooperation, responsible vaccination practices, and early reporting remain essential to protecting public health throughout Tuolumne County.