2 Skunks Test Positive For Rabies In Boulder County

BOULDER COUNTY, CO — Two skunks found recently in Boulder County tested positive for rabies, public health officials confirmed Tuesday.

One of the rapid skunks bit a dog's tail Wednesday near Olde Stage Road in unincorporated Boulder County, officials said.

The second rapid skunk was found Thursday near Aurora Avenue and Grant Place in Boulder, according to Boulder County Public Health. Residents found the skunk after their dog barked at it, officials said.

“Both infected skunks were discovered after a pet engaged with them," said Carol McInnes, an environmental health specialist with the agency. "Encounters with sick animals can be dangerous and these recent instances provide a good reminder to keep a close eye on your pets and ensure their vaccinations are current. Luckily, in both cases, the pet’s vaccinations were up to date, and the dogs only needed to get a rabies booster vaccination and be monitored for 45 days.

“If there’s any chance that you, your child or your pet has come in contact with a skunk or any other animal that may be carrying rabies, contact us as soon as possible by calling 303-441-1564,” McInnes said.

The infectious viral disease affects the nervous system, and it is always fatal unless it is treated before any symptoms appear, health officials said.

Exposure to rabies is generally the result of a bite or scratch by an infected animal, and it is sometimes practically undetectable, such as a tiny puncture of the skin by a bat, health officials said. Treatment for rabies exposure involves a series of vaccinations.

Public health officials recommend that the following precautions be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to rabies:

• Do not handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. Contact animal control to collect the animal.
• Thoroughly wash any wound caused by an animal with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
• Keep vaccinations current for all dogs, cats, and ferrets.
• Keep cats and ferrets inside and dogs under direct supervision.
• Teach children to leave wildlife alone.
• Do not leave pet food or livestock feed in areas that are accessible to wildlife.

Over the past few years, skunks have been a significant source of rabies throughout eastern Colorado and the now the Front Range, health officials said. Other wild animals that may carry rabies include raccoons and foxes.

If a person or pet has been bitten by or has had contact with a bat or wild animal, seek medical care immediately, and then contact your local animal control agency or Boulder County Public Health at 303-441-1564 to arrange for rabies testing.

>> More information about rabies in Boulder County can be found here.