(KCEN) -- The Gatesville Police Department wants to let the public know that three skunks have tested positive for rabies in recent weeks.
On March 13, Animal Control Officers were called to the 1000 block of Highland Drive when a home owner found a skunk in his backyard.
The skunk was shot and sent to the Texas Department of Health Services for testing. The test came back positive for rabies.
The homeowner's dog may have come into contact with the rabid skunk. It is being confined until tests rule whether or not he has contracted rabies.
Two other skunks that were sent in earlier this month for testing were also found to have rabies. One was found on March 1 in the 100 block of Pate Drive and the other was found on March 2 in the 100 block of Ash Drive.
Gatesville requires annual rabies vaccinations for all dogs and cats inside the city limits.
The city of Gatesville is asking residents to keep a close eye on their pets and to report any signs of rabies.
Some signs of rabies are a change in behavior, unexplained paralysis, not eating, pawing at the mouth, difficulty swallowing, seizures, eating strange objects, appearance of choking, chewing at a bite and hypersensitivities to touch or sound.
Anyone who comes into contact with animals at high risk to contract rabies, like skunks, bats, foxes, coyotes and raccoons, should contact Animal Control Officers.
The Gatesville Police Department can be contacted at 254-865-2226.
