Rabid Skunks And Bats Pose Summer Threat To Pets

WELD COUNTY, CO -- The state of Colorado is seeing an uptick in wild animal rabies cases, that may pose a danger to pets left outdoors this summer. So far in 2018, more than 160 skunks have tested positive for rabies in Colorado, the Weld County Health Department announced Friday. State health departments are also reporting findings of bats with rabies.

"This looks like a year for high rabies exposure in wild animals. The best protection against rabies is to avoid contact with wild animals and keep your pets vaccinated,” said Mark E. Wallace, MD, executive director. “Rabies is nearly always fatal if left untreated.”

Any mammal, including humans, is at risk for contracting rabies. “The risk of human exposure to rabies increases when pets and domestic animals are not properly vaccinated. If you are in direct contact with a rabid animal, such as a skunk or bat, your risk is much higher,” said Wallace in a statement.

Rabies can infect many wild animals, including foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and bats.

All domestic animals such as cats, dogs, horses and livestock should be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, health departments say.

What are signs of rabies?

Signs of rabies include increases in saliva and drooling, nocturnal animals seen out during the daytime, slow or difficult movement, and confusion or aggression. Rabies is a disease caused by a virus that affects the nervous system. Rabies causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and is transmitted in saliva through the bite of an infected animal.

The virus can also be transmitted in saliva to an open cut, scratch, or wound. If a person suspects they have been exposed to rabies, they should contact their medical provider immediately. Medicine is available to prevent rabies if started before symptoms appear.

To prevent and reduce your pet's exposure to rabies:

• Do not feed, touch, or handle wild animals and be cautious of stray dogs and cats
• Have dogs, cats, horses, and livestock vaccinated regularly by a licensed veterinarian
• Do not feed wild animals or keep pet food outside, which may attract wild animals
• Spay or neuter pets to reduce the number of unwanted or stray animals in the neighborhood

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