Skunk rabies confirmed in Weld County

Skunk rabies has been confirmed in Weld County earlier this month. While bat rabies has been in our area for awhile, terrestrial wildlife with rabies is more of a concern due to increased potential for exposure to pets and other domestic animals. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment lists the following as ways to prevent exposure to rabies:

• Do not feed, touch or handle wild animals and be cautious of stray dogs and cats
• Teach children to leave wildlife alone and tell you when they have been bitten or scratched
• Have dogs, cats, horses, and livestock vaccinated regularly by your veterinarian
• Maintain control of pets by keeping them indoors and under supervision
• Spay or neuter pets to reduce the number of unwanted or stray animals in the neighborhood
• Call local animal control to remove stray animals from the neighborhood
• Keep trash bins tightly closed and do not leave pet food outdoors

Be especially wary of any wildlife that acts out of the norm, i.e. nocturnal animals out at daytime or wild animals seeming to be tame. These signs can point to illness.

For more information:
Weld County Press Release
Colorado State rabies brochure