Officer Chris Rankin

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-260-0294 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Rabies Discovered Near 245/Trinity Blvd.

Miller County Health officials have confirmed that a skunk that was located in a field near Loop 245 and Trinity Blvd. has tested positive for rabies.

Last week Texarkana Arkansas Animal Control Officer Dennis Braddock responded to a report of a skunk that was behaving unusually in a field near the intersection of Trinity Blvd., and Loop 245. Officer Braddock was able to trap the animal and due to it's behavior and the possibility of disease the skunk was euthanized and sent in for testing. The test results returned positive for rabies.

Although no other reports such as this one have been made from this area, police and animal control officers encourage residents to keep a close watch on their pets. The best method of prevention is to ensure that any household pets are vaccinated against rabies.

If anyone sees an animal that they suspect may be sick they are encouraged to call 911 to report the incident to animal control officers.

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.