People in North America are familiar with skunks because of their striking black and white fur and stinky smell. People know these animals for their unique smell, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. Skunks have a strong smell that helps them defend themselves, but they can also be harmful to people and pets’ health. People who live in places where skunks are common need to know about these risks.
Rabies: A Very Important Issue
For humans, one of the biggest health risks that comes with skunks is that they can spread rabies. In North America, skunks are one of the main animals that spread this dangerous virus. Rabies attacks the brain and nerves, and if it is not handled, it usually ends in death. It can be spread by the saliva of animals that are affected, usually by bites.
Skunks that have rabies may act in strange ways, like being active during the day or not being afraid of people or pets. But not all rabid skunks show these symptoms, so it’s hard to tell if a skunk is sick just by looking at it. This is why you should never get too close to a skunk, especially one that is acting strangely.
Ticks, fleas, and mites: Health Risks You Might Not Know About
Skunks can carry a number of ectoparasites, such as ticks, fleas, and mites, in addition to rabies. These tiny bugs can get on skunks and then infest other animals or people that they come in touch with. Ectoparasites can spread many diseases, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and different kinds of rashes.
Skunks pose a risk of ectoparasite spread to people who have pets. When dogs and cats get close to skunks, they might bring ticks or fleas inside, which could make their owners sick. When skunks are common, it’s important to keep dogs free of parasites on a regular basis.
A less well-known danger is roundworm infections.
It is possible for skunks to carry roundworms, especially the Baylisascaris species. The skunk’s bowels are home to these parasites, which lay eggs that the skunk then poops out. These eggs can be dangerous to people and animals when they get into the environment.
If you eat roundworm eggs by accident, you could get a disease called Baylisascaris illness. In humans, this infection can cause major neurological problems like losing your sight, having weak muscles, and in the worst cases, going into a coma or even dying. Even though these diseases are very rare, they show that skunk poop can be harmful to your health.
Cutting down on health risks
To keep your health from being at risk when around skunks, take these steps:
Avoid Contact: Do not get close to or try to handle skunks, especially ones that are acting strangely.
Vaccinate dogs: Make sure your dogs have all of their rabies shots up to date, and talk to your vet about how to keep ticks and fleas away.
Pet Watching: To keep your dogs safe from skunks, keep an eye on them when they’re outside.
How to Get Rid of Waste: Clean up after your pet right away to keep roundworms from coming into contact with it.
Professional Wildlife Removal: If you think you have skunks on your land, you might want to call a professional wildlife removal service. They know how to safety and effectively deal with skunks because they have done it before.
Skunks may look interesting from a distance because of how they look and the spray they use to protect themselves. But it’s important to be aware of the health risks they might cause and take steps to limit contact and exposure as much as possible. So, you can live with these animals and keep your family and pets healthy at the same time.
Wildlife Removal Newmarket,urban wildlife animals can be quite a nuisance when they invade your home and limit your movement in your own property. We provide a safe and humane removal treatment to rid you off your wildlife invasion problems. Our services are guaranteed and our service rates are affordable.