A skunk in Weld County examined optimistic for rabies for the primary time since 2023, the county introduced Friday afternoon.
The skunk was discovered Tuesday on a residential property east of Eaton, a county information launch mentioned. The animal was noticed to be displaying irregular habits close to livestock, main the property proprietor to contact animal management and the Weld County Division of Public Well being and Atmosphere.
Rabies is a viral illness and almost 100% deadly as soon as signs start, in line with the county. Bats and skunks are the commonest carriers of the virus in Colorado, however it could additionally have an effect on different wildlife together with foxes, raccoons and coyotes.
Exercise through the day, aggressive habits or displaying poor coordination may be indicators a skunk has rabies.
Rabies spreads to individuals and pets by bites and scratches of an contaminated animal.
There has by no means been a human dying from rabies within the county. A number of dozen individuals have required preventative remedy following contact with wild animals, together with 21 who had been uncovered in 2018 after a lady in southern Weld County introduced a child raccoon into her residence. The animal had been deserted by its mom.
The case was the most important rabies publicity ever skilled by the county, well being division officers mentioned on the time.
Those that suppose they’ve been uncovered to rabies ought to contact a physician instantly. Efficient remedy is out there if given earlier than signs seem.
Pet house owners are urged to have all home animals — canine, cats, horses and livestock — vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian. Unvaccinated pets that are available in contact with a rabid animal are required to be euthanized or quarantined for 120 days on the proprietor’s expense.
To stop publicity to rabies, the county additionally recommends:
- Don’t feed, contact or deal with wild animals
- Carefully watch an unvaccinated pet or kitten whereas it’s exterior till the animal has been vaccinated and for 28 days after the vaccination
- Spay or neuter pets to scale back the variety of undesirable or stray animals in a neighborhood.
For extra info or if pets have are available in contact with a wild animal, contact the county well being division at 970-400-2290. Extra info on rabies is out there at weld.gov/go/zoonosis.