Skunk found near Roger’s Grove Park in Longmont tests positive for rabies

A skunk found Tuesday near livestock in Longmont has tested positive for rabies, Boulder County Public Health announced Wednesday afternoon.

Residents saw the animal and contacted Boulder County Animal Control, which notified the health department and sent a sample for testing, according to a news release. The Colorado Department of Agriculture, which follows up on incidents with rabid animals possibly exposing livestock, was notified of the positive test and followed up with the livestock owner, according to the release.

The skunk was spotted around Roger's Grove Park, near the walking path at St. Vrain Creek, west of Hover Road, according to the release.

“At this time, there is no indication of human or pet contact. 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 call their local animal control office,” the health department stated in the release.

Rabies is generally spread from a bite by an infected animal. It is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal unless it is treated before any symptoms appear, according to the health department. Treatment for rabies exposure involves a series of vaccinations.

Public health officials recommend the following precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to rabies:

• Do not handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they are young or appear friendly. Contact animal control to collect the animal.
• Thoroughly wash any wound caused by an animal with soap and water and immediately seek medical attention.
• Keep cats and ferrets indoors and supervise dogs.
• Teach children to leave wildlife alone.
• Do not leave pet food or livestock feed in areas accessible to wildlife.

“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,” Carol McInnes, Boulder County Public Health environmental health specialist, stated in the release. “Sadly, pets with no or limited 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.”

If a person or pet is bitten by or comes in contact with a bat or wild animal, officials advise seeking immediate medical care and then contacting a local animal control agency or Boulder County Public Health at 303-441-1564 to arrange for rabies testing.