T1B

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Health officials issued a warning to the public on Tuesday after they said an Iowa family brought home a baby skunk that later tested positive for rabies.

Officials said the northwest Iowa family’s experience is evidence that "not all cute creatures are cuddly."

The family found a baby skunk and brought it into their home to raise as a pet, officials said.

When the skunk became ill several weeks later, a vet was called who found the skunk had rabies.

"This is a classic example of a good-hearted person trying to help a wild creature," said Dr. Patricia Quinlisk, Iowa Department of Public Health medical director. "Unfortunately, even the cutest of wild animals can carry a variety of diseases that are harmful to humans and other animals. In Iowa, skunks are the reservoir for the rabies virus and all Iowa skunks should be considered potentially rabid."

Officials said the skunk was likely infected with rabies before it was brought into the home.

All five family members are receiving the rabies vaccine. In addition, more than 20 other family members and friends who came in contact with the skunk are being tested for rabies, and at least six others are receiving rabies shots.

Officials said the family dog did not have a rabies vaccination and will have to be put into quarantine for six months, or euthanized.