Rabid skunk alert in Lexington: It bites one dog and was exposed to another

A skunk found in Lexington has tested positive for rabies, according to the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department.

It was at least the third skunk reported testing positive for rabies in Lexington in 2024.

In the latest incident, the skunk was discovered earlier this week by a resident around the Indian Hills and Stonewall neighborhoods in the 40503 ZIP code.

Both of the resident’s dogs were exposed to the skunk, and one was bitten, with proper officials being notified, district spokesperson Kevin Hall said.

Rabies, a viral disease of humans, pets and wild animals, is transmitted from animals to humans by the saliva of a rabid animal, usually from a bite. State law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets maintain a current rabies vaccination.

The health department posted signs in the area Monday to notify residents of the discovery and to ask residents to keep watch on their pets.

Health Department officials continue to share this reminder: Make certain your pets have a current rabies vaccination.

In early October, a rabid skunk was found in the Andover Hills neighborhood.

Another skunk found in Lexington in June tested positive for rabies. The skunk was captured by Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control on a property on Pleasant Grove Road.

This story was originally published October 28, 2024 at 6:18 PM.