What Are The Different Types Of Diseases That Skunks Carry?

Skunks are wild animals that carry a lot of different diseases. These diseases can be transmitted a number of different ways. Skunks can transmit these diseases through bites and scratches, contaminated food or water, and even with their fecal matter. Skunks also have parasites that can help transmit these diseases to pets and people.

Some of these diseases can be debilitating or even fatal, while others aren’t as bad. Depending on the nature of the sickness and method of contraction, there may or may not be medication that can combat the illness.

There are five main illnesses or diseases which are carried and transmitted by skunks. There are also a couple of resulting conditions that may be transmitted by parasites and/or fecal matter left by these animals or their decomposing bodies. Diseases Carried by Skunks

Rabies is the number one disease transmitted by skunks. This is a dangerous, fatal disease that can be transmitted to pets and to people. It is most often contracted through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. There is currently no cure for rabies but there is a vaccine to help prevent its spread.

Leptospirosis is another common illness transmitted by disturbing the fecal matter left behind by skunks. This often happens when cleaning up behind an infestation. When the matter is disturbed, the spores become airborne and settle into the lungs of the new host. It causes several respiratory illnesses and sometimes a swelling of the brain.

Zoonosis refers to a range of illnesses and condition spread from animals to humans. It is typically spread through bites, scratches and contact with the fecal matter. Skunks also transmit these diseases to humans. Other Illnesses

Intestinal roundworms are another condition that is easily transmitted to humans from skunks. They may be contracted through direct contact with the urine or feces of an infected skunk. People also contract intestinal roundworms by swimming in lake or pond water that infected skunks have urinated in.

Ticks and lice that live on skunks can also help transmit many of their diseases to humans and pets. Lyme disease and many other conditions can be transmitted by these parasite as they find a new host. These parasites are often contracted by brushing up against the animal. If an infected skunk has died, then the parasites will lay in wait for a new host, taking all their nasty conditions with them.

The bottom line is that the illness transmitted by skunks are numerous and some of them are very dangerous. You should always wear the proper protective gear when transporting these animals or cleaning up behind them after they have been eradicated.

Free Pest Control Quote

Animals in Attic Critter Trapping Rat / Mouse Control Bat / Bird Control Snake Removal

Brands We Use

Business Hours

Mon8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Tue8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Wed8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Thu8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Fri8:00 A.M. - 7:00 P.M.

Sat9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Sun9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Our Guarantee

We strive for complete customer satisfaction, and stand by our work! We guarantee all our exclusion and prevention home repairs against new animal entry into the home or attic. Call us for more details.