Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous systems of mammals, including skunks. With large urban and rural areas, the U.S. has many skunks roaming neighborhoods, forests, and other landscapes. Here, we will find out more about rabies transmission through skunks and the top 10 U.S. states with high numbers of rabid skunks.
Understanding Rabies Transmission
Rabies is caused by a virus in the Lyssavirus genus. It is transmitted via bites from infected animals and saliva contact with open wounds. Skunks are particularly vulnerable due to their behavior and habitat. Because they come into contact with other wildlife species, including foxes and raccoons (which also carry the virus), they are among the most common animals that test positive for the virus.
The Role of Skunks in Rabies Transmission
Skunks have become one of the primary carriers of rabies, especially in rural areas. They are known to bite other wildlife, pets, and humans, contributing to the spread of the disease. Skunk-related rabies cases are most common in areas with large skunk populations, and their behavior and interaction with other infected animals are the primary factors in the spread of rabies.
1. Texas
Texas leads the nation in rabies cases, particularly in skunks. Its large geographical areas and diverse wildlife populations contribute to the high number of reported rabid skunks. In 2021 and 2022, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reported 174 and 151 cases of rabid skunks, respectively, making the state a hotspot for the virus.
2. North Carolina
Due to the state’s coastal plain and Mountain and Piedmont regions, North Carolina is home to two native skunk species: the striped and Eastern striped skunks. As another state with a significant number of rabid skunks, driven by its large wildlife population and environmental conditions that support skunk habitation, North Carolina reported 60 cases in 2021 and 67 in 2022.
3. Virginia
Virginia is known for having a high rate of rabid skunks, particularly in its rural and forested regions. The state’s proximity to other wildlife reservoirs, like raccoons and foxes, can also amplify the spread of rabies among skunks. The AVMA reported that the state had 56 cases in 2021 and 70 cases of rabid skunks in 2022.
4. Colorado
With expansive woodlands, canyons, and wetlands, this state has four native species of skunk: the stripped, hog-nosed, western spotted, and eastern spotted skunks. The state’s varied habitats allow skunks to thrive and potentially contract rabies. The state reported 43 cases in 2021 but only 26 in 2022.
5. California
California ranks highly due to its vast wilderness areas, which provide ample habitats for skunks and other wildlife. Given this, it is not unusual to see a significant number of rabies cases reported annually. In 2021 and 2022, the AVMA reported that California had 29 and 40 cases of rabid skunks, respectively, showing a large increase in cases.
6. Massachusetts
Skunks are commonly found throughout Massachusetts except in the Elizabeth Islands and Nantucket. The state boasts a variety of habitats, such as meadows, farms, woodlands, wetlands, and agricultural, rural, and urban areas where skunks might find their home. The AVMA reported a decrease in rabid skunk cases between 2021 and 2022, with 34 and 40 cases, respectively.
7. Arizona
Found primarily in the Southeast Arizona parks, the state has four species of skunk: striped, hooded, hog-nosed, and spotted skunks. The species can be found in brushy upland and rocky areas as well as in the low desert. As a result, skunks appear to thrive in Arizona. However, the state has seen a decrease in reported rabid skunk cases between 2021, with 34, and 2022, with five cases.
8. New York
The state of New York has long been a region of concern for rabies, particularly among skunks, as it is known for its diverse ecosystems, including urban and suburban areas that border forests. The AVMA reported that the state had 24 cases in 2021 and 36 cases in 2022, showing an alarming increase.
9. New Jersey
Skunks thrive in the open fields, lawns, and agricultural areas of New Jersey, where they come into contact with species that carry the virus as well as domestic pets and humans, further spreading rabies. The AVMA reported 22 cases in 2021 and 25 in 2022, showing only a slight increase in rabid skunks in the state.
10. Georgia
Georgia is home to two species of skunk: the eastern striped and the striped skunk. Skunks can be found in agricultural, woodland, and urban areas in the state, preferring to live under stumps, fallen trees, lumber piles, decks, and porches. However, the state reported a decrease in rabid skunks between 2021 and 2022 from 28 to 23, respectively.
