Skunk Tests Positive For Rabies After Spraying Dog In Lafayette

LONGMONT, CO — A skunk found Wednesday on Greelee Way in Lafayette tested positive for rabies after it sprayed a dog, public health officials confirmed.

Residents noticed their dog had been sprayed and then found the skunk dead in a backyard, authorities said. They called the City of Lafayette Animal Control, which sent a sample to Boulder County Public Health for testing.

The dog had already been vaccinated against rabies, and it is currently under a 45-day home observation.

It's not known whether any other pets or humans were exposed to the skunk. Boulder County Public Health is asking residents to call 303-441-1564 if they or any domestic animal had any contact with a skunk in the area, or if they have noticed a recent bite from an unknown source.

“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 Marshall Lipps, Boulder County Public Health environmental health specialist.

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

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 wildlife.

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.