Warmer springtime weather has again raised concern about the spread of rabies. Rabies started showing up in Colorado skunks more than two years ago and incidents of rabid animals have steadily moved westward. In the past two weeks four cases of rabid skunks have been reported in the Pueblo area.
Dr. Elisabeth W. Lawaczeck, State Public Health Veterinarian with the Colorado Dept. of Public Health & Environment told the Fremont County Board of Health at a recent meeting that while there are predictions of rabies spreading, in most cases skunks usually don’t travel too far. In the Pueblo cases, the rabid skunks were seen in residential yards during daylight hours. Because skunks are nocturnal, seeing a skunk in daylight is a sign that the animal may be ill. Dr. Lawaczeck told the Board of Health that in addition to skunks, rabies also occurs frequently in raccoons. She said some foxes are also testing positive for rabies.
Fremont County Public Health Director Carla Dionne said her office strongly urges all pet owners to get their animals vaccinated for rabies. Cat owners in particular are urged to make sure their cats have current vaccinations because cats tend to come into contact with skunks more frequently than other animals. Livestock, including cattle, goats, and sheep, should also be vaccinated because their curiosity with a skunk running around in daylight can result in an animal bite. Dionne says pet owners should check with their local veterinarian or contact the Humane Society of Fremont County which offers rabies vaccinations every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. for a fee of $10. The Humane Society can be contacted at (719) 275-0663.
Dr. Lawaczeck said pet owners face the risk of six months quarantine for their pet if the pet has been bitten but was never vaccinated. She said it could cost a community thousands if people are exposed to a rabid pet. Dr. Lawaczeck said problems occur when people trap skunks and then transport them miles away and release them. She said that raises the risk of introducing rabies into a whole new population of skunks. That’s why it’s against state law to trap and relocate skunks, foxes, and many other kinds of wildlife.
Other precautions offered by the Colorado Department of Public Health to prevent contact with rabies include:
- Be cautious of stray dogs and cats. Rabid animals do not always appear vicious;
- Teach children to leave wildlife alone. Be sure your child knows to tell you if an animal bites or scratches them;
- Keep your pets’ vaccinations up-to-date;
- Tightly close garbage cans and feed bins. Open trash and feed bags attracts wild or stray animals to your home or yard;
- Feed your pets indoors and never leave pet food outside as this attracts wildlife;
- Keep outdoor pets in a fenced yard.
For more information and precautions to take against rabies read the Colorado Department of Public Health’s brochure “Skunks and Rabies” which is available on-line at the following link: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/dc/zoonosis/rabies/SkunkBrochure.pdf.