NEWS RELEASE
BOULDER COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
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A skunk found on Wednesday, June 29, on Greenlee Way in Lafayette, has tested positive for rabies. Residents found the deceased animal in a backyard and contacted City of Lafayette Animal Control who notified Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) and sent the sample for testing.
According to the resident, they noticed their dog had been sprayed by a skunk. After checking their backyard, they found a deceased skunk. The dog had already been vaccinated against rabies and it is currently under a 45-day home observation.
It is unknown if the skunk had exposed any other humans or animals. BCPH is asking residents to call 303-441-1564 if they or any domestic animal had any contact with a skunk in the area, or if they have noticed a recent bite from an unknown source.
Terrestrial rabies, such as skunk rabies, is carried by animals that travel predominantly on the ground. In the last few years skunks have been a significant source of rabies throughout eastern Colorado, now including the Front Range. Other wild animals that may carry rabies include raccoons and foxes.
“Making sure rabies vaccinations are up-to-date for dogs, cats, horses and livestock is the most important and effective way to protect both animals and humans from contracting rabies,” said Marshall Lipps, BCPH environmental health specialist. “Sadly, pets with no rabies vaccination that come into contact with a rabid animal may need to be euthanized or placed in a four-month quarantine at the owner’s expense.”
Exposure to rabies is generally the result of a bite or scratch from an infected animal and it is sometimes practically undetectable, such as a tiny puncture of the skin by a bat. 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 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, ferrets and horses.
- Maintain control of pets by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and keeping 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.
- If a person or pet has been bitten by or has had contact with a skunk or any wild animal, seek medical care immediately, and then contact your local animal control agency or Boulder County Public Health to arrange for rabies testing.
For more information about rabies, visit www.BoulderCountyVector.org or call 303-441-1564.
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