News Release
5th skunk confirmed positive for rabies; rabies "map" now available on-line
Department: Health & Environment
Release Date: May 24, 2012
Contact:
Jane Viste
970-498-6750
jviste@larimer.org
The Larimer County Department of Health and Environment announced today that two more skunks near Fort Collins have tested positive for rabies. This makes 5 rabid skunks that have been found close to Fort Collins neighborhoods in the past two weeks.
The 4th skunk was chased from a poultry enclosure of a private home near Taft Hill and Vine Drive and found dead the next morning. The 5th skunk was seen out in daylight and walking in circles in a neighborhood near Horsetooth and Taft Hill Roads.
The five skunks are the first of what will likely be numerous skunks, and possibly other animals, infected with skunk variant (type) of rabies that first arrived in Colorado in 2007. Until recently, bats had been the main carrier of rabies in Colorado.
Skunk rabies is a type of “terrestrial” rabies, meaning that it is carried by animals that travel on the ground, rather than by bats that fly. Rabies in ground-dwelling animals increases the risk of rabies exposure to pets and livestock. All Larimer County residents are urgently advised to keep their pets, horses and livestock vaccinated and up-to-date, and to avoid skunks that are out in daylight or are behaving strangely.
The Health Department has posted a map that shows where skunks and bats that have tested positive for rabies have been found since early May. The map is at http://larimer.org/maps/rabies.cfm and will be updated as soon as possible after positive confirmations are made.
“This map is meant to be used for a quick reference of recently confirmed rabies, not as a guide to where you are most at risk,” said Dr. Adrienne LeBailly, director of the Health Department. “Rabid skunks can be expected anywhere in along the front range of Larimer County from now on.
“Though most skunks and bats do not carry rabies, those that are out during the day or allow people or pets to approach them are more likely to be sick,” she added. “It’s wise to remain vigilant and follow the recommendations on how to protect yourselves and your pets from a rabid animal.”
LeBailly also stresses that if you see a skunk or bat that’s behaving strangely, keep your distance and call the Larimer Humane Society’s animal control number at 226-3647, #7.
The Health Department strongly urges Larimer County residents to vaccinate dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses against rabies as recommended by your veterinarian and making sure they are up-to-date on their shots. Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating other mammalian livestock. Chickens and other birds are not susceptible to rabies.
Unvaccinated pets that come into contact with a rabid animal will either need to be euthanized or vaccinated and quarantined at a veterinary facility for 90 days, followed by another 90 days of home quarantine, which can be very expensive. Pets who behind in their vaccinations must be vaccinated and quarantined at home for 90 days. Fully vaccinated pets need a booster and 45 days of observation at home. There is no cure for rabies.
For more information on rabies and steps you can take to lower your or your pets’ exposure to rabies, see:
