A skunk has tested positive for rabies in Falcon, Colorado. El Paso County Public Health is urging residents to protect themselves by never touching or feeding wild or stray animals, and keeping pets up to date on rabies vaccination. Rabies is almost always fatal in humans if exposed by a bite or scratch from a rabid animal.On Jan. 9, a skunk tested positive for rabies at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Laboratory. There are no known human exposures. The skunk was found near a feral cat colony. Residents in the area should not touch feral or unknown animals, and remind children not to play with unknown or stray animals. Residents should also contact EPCPH if they notice an animal with symptoms of rabies including, but not limited to, aggression, lethargy, increased vocalization, loss of appetite, paralysis, seizures or death.†ìRabies is endemic on the front range of Colorado in bats and skunks, that is why we always encourage pet owners to vaccinate all domestic animals, including dogs, cats, horses and livestock that may come in contact with wild animals,î said Dr. Chris Nevin-Woods, El Paso County Public Health medical director.†Rabies is fatal once symptoms appear. Never feed or touch stray or wild animals, and keep pets and livestock rabies vaccinations up to date through a licensed veterinarian. Feeding wild animals makes them less afraid of people and brings large numbers of animals into small areas. This increases the risk of transmission of disease to humans and pets. Unvaccinated pets or livestock and feral cat colonies are at risk of infection, which also puts owners or family members at risk.†Preventive vaccination is available for people known or suspected to have been bitten by a rabid animal. It is important for people bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal to contact their doctor immediately.†Take these precautions to prevent rabies:
- Vaccinate your pets against rabies by using a licensed veterinarian. Rabies shots need to be boosted, so check your petís records or talk to your veterinarian.
- When walking or hiking with your dog, protect them and wildlife by keeping your dog on a leash.
- Keep cats and other pets inside at night to reduce the risk of exposure to other domestic animals and wildlife. Keep dogs within your sight (in a fenced yard or on leash) during the day while outside.
- Contact your veterinarian promptly if you believe your pet has been exposed to a wild animal.
- Do not touch or feed wild animals. Wild animals like skunks and foxes adapt to residential environments if food is available ñ- please donít leave pet food outdoors.
- If you or a family member is bitten or scratched by a wild or unknown animal, call your doctor and El Paso County Public Health at 719-578-3220.
- If you encounter a lost or stray dog or cat, contact the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region for options 719-473-1741.
