Rabies Update: 3 Additional Positive Cases Found 

April 12, 2026 – Jamestown, CA – Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office officials announce that Tuolumne County Sheriff's Animal Control is notifying the public of three additional confirmed rabies-positive skunks within Tuolumne County.

The confirmed locations include:

• Cedar Ridge / Pack Trail Road area
• Sonora Union High School area
• Canyonview Drive in Ponderosa Hills

Of these cases, one dog was exposed to a rabid skunk. The dog was current on its rabies vaccination and, in accordance with California rabies exposure protocols, received an immediate booster vaccination the following day. The dog is doing well and remains healthy. The other two cases, including the skunk found near Sonora Union High School, had no known human contact and were safely and promptly removed from the area. Once a rabid animal is removed. the immediate risk in that location is eliminated.

Public Health & Safety Information

Rabies remains endemic in our region, meaning the virus is consistently present in local wildlife populations. While this does not pose a constant threat to the general public, it does require ongoing vigilance, particularly when individuals or domestic animals come into contact with wildlife exhibiting unusual behavior.

Related: Two Rabid Skunks Confirmed in Tuolumne County, Residents Urged to Vaccinate Pets and Livestock

Due to resource limitations, it is not feasible to test every sick or deceased animal for rabies. Testing protocol is prioritized based on risk assessments that consider factors such as human or pet exposure, the species involved, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. In recent cases, a sick animal was tested for rabies out of an abundance of caution. This decision was based specifically on the animal's location and the potential for increased public or domestic animal exposure. This approach balances effective disease surveillance with responsible use of limited county resources.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is also zoonotic, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to people.

Rabies remains active in wildlife populations, particularly in species such as:

• Skunks
• Bats
• Foxes
• Raccoons

Key Rabies Facts

• Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear
• It is transmitted through bites or saliva entering open wounds or mucous membranes
• Early symptoms may include behavior changes, aggression, drooling, weakness, or paralysis
• Vaccination is highly effective and required by law for dogs
• Even vaccinated animals must receive a booster after exposure

Vaccination is Critical

Vaccinating your pets is the single most important step you can take to protect them and your family. This recent exposure highlights that even properly vaccinated pets require immediate booster vaccination following wildlife exposure. With wildlife rabies present in our region, keeping pets current on rabies vaccines is essential to preventing disease transmission and protecting public health.

What Residents Should Do

Due to the abundance of wildlife in Tuolumne County, the risk of exposure to domestic animals remains present. We encourage residents to take the following precautions:

• Avoid contact with wild or unfamiliar animals, including dead animals, especially those that appear sick, injured, aggressive, unafraid of humans, active during unusual hours, or behaving abnormally.
• Ensure pets are up to date on rabies vaccinations.
• Contact Animal Control at 209-694-2730 to report wildlife displaying unusual behavior.
• Report animal bites or potential exposures to Animal Control immediately and seek medical care promptly.

Public Risk Level

At this time, the risk to the public remains low. All known cases have been addressed with appropriate containment and safety measures. However, continued vigilance is necessary, especially for pet owners.

Contact Information

Tuolumne County Sheriff's Animal Control
10040 Victoria Way
Jamestown, CA 95327
209-694-2730

Rabies is 100% preventable through vaccination, yet 100% fatal once symptoms develop. With the high level of wildlife in Tuolumne County, proactive vaccination and reporting are critical tools in keeping our community safe.

Source: Tuolumne County Sheriff's Office