West Texas wildlife safety Published Oct. 4, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Jessica D. Keith 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- You're grilling in the backyard, relaxing with family on a Friday afternoon after working hard all week. Your spouse is laughing at a joke and the children were last seen on the swing set. As you turn toward them, you see that they're now playing with something near a bush. Walking over to investigate, you notice your youngest holding a squirming squirrel. What do you do? San Angelo, Texas, is a large rural area where animals and humans often come into contact and some of these animals may carry deadly diseases. This was highlighted by an incident last week at The Landings at Goodfellow AFB when four dependent children were found holding a bat. Tests confirmed the animal had rabies and the children are now undergoing a two-week vaccination series to ensure they do not contract the disease. Rabies is a viral infection most commonly spread from animals to humans through contact with salvia from animal bites and is 100 percent lethal to humans if left untreated. Although uncommon today in America, Rabies is still widespread in wild animals and must be considered a possible threat whenever contact with wild animals occurs. Rabies is not the only disease that can be passed from wild animals to humans. According to John McEachern, a regulatory wildlife biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in San Angelo, there is a host of bacterial, fungal and sometimes viral animal diseases which can easily be passed to humans through direct contact. "Animals here have adapted to utilize urban areas, especially when foraging for food, so encounters with skunks, raccoons, deer, or many other animals, are not uncommon in San Angelo (Texas) and the surrounding towns." Mr. MeEachern said. "A person should never approach these animals. Even though they run away most of the time, they are capable of defending themselves. If a wild animal lets you approach it, something is probably wrong; the animal may be sick or injured." According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly all mammals can contract rabies, but it is most commonly found in animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. Common wild animals are also known for other transferrable diseases like Giardiasis, a parasitic infection which causes diarrhea, and Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection with flu-like symptoms that can be lethal. Capt. Irene R. Jackson, 17th Medical Group Public Health Officer, said the best way to prevent infection is to avoid contact with wild animals. Do not offer a wild animal food or shelter. If contact cannot be avoided, immediately wash your hands and any wounds with soap and water. To report a wild or domestic animal of concern on base, call the base civil engineer squadron customer service desk. If offf-base, call the local animal control hotline. For additional information about health concerns associated with wild animals, call the base public health office.