(FOX40.COM) - - A skunk, which was just recently discovered outside of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife center in Sacramento County, has checked favorable for rabies, according to authorities.

The skunk was found "showing neurological indications" near the American River Parkway on June 19, authorities included. The animal was taken to the CDFW center on Nimbus Road in Rancho Cordova by CDFW staff and was "humanely euthanized" before it was submitted to the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory for a necropsy.

On Tuesday, it was verified that the skunk checked favorable for rabies.

" In California, rabies is determined in about 200 animals every year, most often in wildlife like bats and skunks," authorities stated. "Domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and horses can also get rabies, however this is not as common due to legal requirements for rabies vaccination."

The American River Parkway is a popular location for outside recreational activities, so Sacramento County advises homeowners to report any animals believed to have rabies.

Preventing contact with wild animals, reporting unusual habits in animals like stumbling, seizures, or aggressiveness, and right away cleaning any animal bites with soap and water while looking for medical attention are all advised methods to minimize rabies direct exposure.

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What is rabies?

Rabies is an extreme nervous system infection triggered by a virus that is most often sent through the bite of an infected animal.

If medical care is not gotten before symptoms start to appear, the Centers for Disease Control stated the disease can lead to extreme brain disease and even death.

Each year, around 60,000 Americans are exposed to rabies and require medical care.

Among the very best methods to avoid rabies is by making sure all animals are vaccinated and remaining current with their rabies vaccine.