Skunk Found In Superior Tests Positive For Rabies

SUPERIOR, CO — A skunk found Sunday near South Idalia Court in Superior tested positive for rabies, public health officials confirmed.

People saw the skunk and called Boulder County Animal Control, which sent a sample to Boulder County Public Health for testing.

The skunk had no known contact with humans or animals, but any resident who lives in the area is asked to contact the agency if they had contact with the skunk.

Anyone whose pet may have come in contact with a skunk, or who sees wildlife or a stray pet that looks sick or is acting unusual should also call Boulder County Public Health.

“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 Carol McInnes, Boulder County Public Health environmental health specialist.

“Sadly, pets with no rabies vaccination that come into contact with a rabid animal must be euthanized or placed in a four-month quarantine at the owner’s expense.”

People are most commonly exposed to rabies when they interact with wildlife. The infectious viral disease affects the nervous system, and it is always fatal unless it is treated before any symptoms appear, health officials said.

Exposure to rabies is generally the result of a bite or scratch by an infected animal, and it is sometimes practically undetectable, such as a tiny puncture of the skin by a bat, health officials said. Treatment for rabies exposure involves a series of vaccinations.

Public health officials recommend that the following precautions be taken 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, and ferrets.
• Keep cats and ferrets inside and dogs under direct supervision.
• Teach children to leave wildlife alone.
• Do not leave pet food or livestock feed in areas that are accessible to wildife.

Bats are the most common animal source of rabies in Colorado. On average, around 15 percent of bats submitted for rabies testing test positive for the disease, health officials said. Over the past few years, skunks have been a significant source of rabies throughout eastern Colorado and the now the Front Range, health officials said. Other wild animals that may carry rabies include raccoons and foxes.

If a person or pet has been bitten by or has had contact with a bat or wild animal, seek medical care immediately, and then contact your local animal control agency or Boulder County Public Health at 303-441-1564 to arrange for rabies testing.

>> General information about rabies in Boulder County can be found here.