A significant increase in the amount of skunks carrying rabies in Amador County has health officials concerned that this could spiral into a statewide problem this year, according to a news release from the county's Public Health Department.

Three rabies-infected skunks have been found in the Jackson area in the past two months, said County Health Officer Dr. Bob Hartmann, who brought up the issue during the board of supervisors meeting Tuesday morning. Only two rabid skunks had been reported in county in the past 10 years, he said.

Hartmann recommends that people vaccinate their pets, avoid feeding wildlife and report sick animals to Animal Control. "We really want to push statutes to vaccinate dogs and cats," he said.

"We don't want anyone in the public to panic," Hartmann said, adding that the department just wants to raise awareness.

Several dogs and livestock have been exposed to these rabid skunks, which were discovered in close proximity to each other, the release further states.

"Typically this time of year is when positive skunks are found and you see juveniles that are more active and wandering," Amador County Director of Animal Control John Vail said in the release. People should avoid skunks acting unusual and unafraid of people during the day; it is not unusual, however, to see skunks scavenging for food during dawn or dusk.

"Skunk rabies usually cycles over a three- to five-year period," Hartmann said. "Last year was a low year for skunk rabies and this year is predicted to be high."

In addition to keeping pets' vaccinations up to date, people should also keep their dog and cat bowls away from wildlife access, the public health department advised. Anyone bitten by an unfamiliar wild or domestic animal should wash the area with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention. If safe to do so, the department recommends capturing the animal - with an upside down trash can or container, for example - and then calling Animal Control, at 223-6378, who will come and take the animal.

Never try to nurse sick animals to health, the department warns; instead, call Tri-County Wildlife Care at 547-3233.

Those exposed to rabies should receive the rabies immune globulin, which is given in the buttock, the department states. Five rabies vaccine shots, given in the deltoid muscle of the arm, are given five times in one month.

Amador County Animal Control will offer low cost rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats and livestock in the upcoming months. Vaccinations will take place between 6 and 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Days and locations include: May 6, Animal Control, Airport Road; May 15, Pine Grove Elementary School; May 20, Pioneer Park, Buckhorn Road; May 29, River Pines Post Office; June 3, Plymouth Park; June 12, Howard Park, Ione; June 21, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Animal Control, Airport Road. Proof of prior vaccination is required to get the 3-year rabies vaccine.

For more information, call 223-6407 or visit www.co.amador.ca.us/depts/animal.