Animals are also living beings and so they are also affected by different kinds of problems and diseases with some of the common symptoms and diseases just like humans. Over 40 diseases including bacterial and viral infections can affect skunks. A lot is there to learn about the diseases and symptoms. Skunks can easily spread these viral infections to other animals and humans too so it’s better to keep a safe distance if any of the symptoms are found. Let’s have a look at some diseases and symptoms that skunks can carry.
Rabies:
The most commonly observed disease in wildlife is rabies. Rabies is actually an infection that badly affects the brain and the whole nervous system. It can be said to be a very harmful disease as it can drag to death. Common symptoms of rabies are aggressiveness, confusion, weakness and paralysis etc.
Distemper:
It is a disease found in mammals including skunk. The main source of its transmission from one animal to another is saliva. Distemper is a viral disease and its symptoms are quite similar to that of rabies but both diseases are different. Other symptoms include discharge from nose and eyes, excessive sneezing, staggering while walking etc.
Leptospirosis:
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease usually caused by the Leptospira bacteria. Signs of leptospirosis can vary from skunk to skunk. Some can have severe, some can have mild and some can have even no symptoms. The basic factor behind the occurrence of disease is the open contact of skunk with soil and water. Some common symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, shivering, urge of thirst, change in the amount or color of urine etc. This disease can worsen and can become fatal. One person should be careful in every way if this disease is observed anywhere nearby.
Moreover, Skunks can carry a lot of diseases with different symptoms and identifications. Strange activities like circling that are moving in a circular pattern, walking abnormally, swallowing stones etc. Such activities can be an indication of any disease. Dull and weak physique and performance can also be a sign of a sick skunk. However, there can be a lot and a very few symptoms that show up when a skunk is sick but one must be alert always for any upcoming adversity related to skunks and diseases found in them.
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