Skunk tests positive for rabies in Boulder County

NEWS RELEASE
BOULDER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
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A skunk, which tested positive for rabies, was seen acting erratically and going to multiple homes seen near the 1400 block of Brown Circle in the city of Boulder. A dog alerted its owner to the skunk on March 6 during the snowstorm. The owner called the city’s Animal Protection division and an animal control officer submitted the animal to Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) for rabies testing.

“Fortunately, this pet owner understood there might be a risk of rabies and did the right thing by contacting animal control to have the skunk tested,” said Carol McInnes, Boulder County Public Health Environmental Health Specialist. “The dog was current on its rabies vaccinations and will only need to get a rabies booster vaccination.”

Pets that are not vaccinated against rabies and come into contact with a rabid animal may need to be euthanized or placed in a facility for a four-month quarantine at the owner’s expense.

Contact BCPH at 303-441-1564 if you or your pet have recently come in contact with a skunk.

“Making sure rabies vaccinations are up-to-date for dogs, cats, horses, and valuable livestock is the most important and effective way to protect both animals and humans from contracting rabies,” said McInnes.

Anyone whose pet may have come in contact with wildlife, or who sees wildlife or a stray pet that looks sick or is acting unusual should call their local animal control office. Other wild animals that may carry rabies include raccoons and foxes.

Rabies is generally spread from 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.

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal to humans unless it is treated before any symptoms appear. Treatment for rabies exposure involves a series of vaccinations.

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

• DO NOT handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. Contact animal control for guidance.
• Thoroughly wash any wound caused by an animal with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
• Keep vaccinations current for all dogs, cats, ferrets and horses.
• Maintain control of pets by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and keeping dogs under direct supervision when outside.
• Teach children to leave wildlife alone.
• Do not leave pet food in areas that are accessible to wildlife.
• If a person or pet has been bitten by or has had contact with a bat or other wild animal, seek medical care immediately, and contact your local animal control agency or Boulder County Public Health at 303-441-1564.

For more information about rabies, visit www.BoulderCountyRabies.org or call 303-441-1564.

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