Public health officials recommend these precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to rabies.
Boulder County, Colo. — Two skunks found in Boulder County last week tested positive for rabies.
The Boulder County Department of Public Health (BCPH) said the first rabid skunk was found Wednesday, June 22, near Olde Stage Road, unincorporated Boulder County, when their dog approached the dying animal and The tail was bitten.
A second skunk was found Thursday, June 23 near Aurora Avenue and Grant Square in Boulder when residents heard their dogs barking and growling at the sick animal near their front porch, BCPH said. .
“Both infected skunks were found after pets came into contact with them,” said BCPH’s Carol McInnes. “Encountering sick animals can be dangerous, these recent incidents Good reminder to keep an eye on your pets and make sure their vaccinations are up to date. Fortunately, in both cases pets are up to date, while dogs only need a rabies booster and receive 45 days of monitoring.”
Rabies is a contagious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal unless treated before any symptoms appear, the BCPH said.
Exposure to rabies is usually the result of a bite or scratch from an infected animal, sometimes almost undetectable, such as a tiny puncture in the skin by a bat.
Bats and skunks are the most common sources of rabies in Colorado. Other wild animals that can carry rabies include raccoons and foxes.
Public health tips to reduce exposure to rabies:
- Do not touch unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they seem friendly. Contact Animal Control to collect animals.
- Do not feed wild animals.
- Teach children to observe wildlife from a distance and notify adults if there are wildlife in the area, or if they are bitten or scratched.
- Eliminate food sources for wild animals by not feeding pets outdoors, closing pet doors (especially at night), and tightly closing trash cans and feed bins.
- Make sure your pets, horses and livestock are up-to-date with rabies vaccinations.
- Maintain pet control by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and dogs under direct supervision.
- Wash any wounds caused by the animal thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
For more information on rabies, visit BoulderCountyVector.org or call 303-441-1564.
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