Pima County Animal Care (PACC) has issued a community alert about possible pet exposure to rabies after it confirmed a case of the disease in a deceased animal found at Jesse Owens Park.

After a community member reported several unleashed dogs eating the carcass of a dead skunk at Jesse Owens Park on South Sarnoff Drive, PACC has issued a rabies alert and is attempting to locate the loose animals. PACC officers are canvassing the area south of East Broadway Boulevard, west of South Camino Seco, north of East 22nd Street and east of South Pantano to notify residents. 

This incident marks the sixth case of rabies in Pima County involving a skunk. The Arizona Department of Health Services has confirmed 74 rabies cases last year in the county.

"Community members who suspect their pet may have had contact with the dead animal or recently visited Jesse Owens Park, should consult their veterinarian," PACC said in a recent community alert.  "In addition, PACC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Wilcox recommends residents who live in that area get a booster rabies vaccine for their pets and that they keep them under close observation over the next few days for any changes in behavior."

Anyone who has had contact with a skunk near or at Jesse Owens Park is asked to notify the PACC at 520-724-7797.