Rabid Skunk Reported In Larimer Co.

LARIMER COUNTY, CO -- Larimer County officials haven't seen a rabid skunk in five years, but a Fort Collins dog had a run-in with an animal who turned out to be rabid, the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment announced.

The skunk was found in southeast Fort Collins near Portner Reservoir, and is the first rabid wildlife reported for 2018. The dog was up-to-date on vaccinations, so no quarantine was necessary. No human contact was reported with this rabid skunk.

According to the department, skunk rabies may pose a greater risk to pets and people because they're low to the ground and may interact more with pets an animals than, say, a rabid bat. Rabies can infect any warm-blooded mammal, but is most commonly found in Larimer County in bats and skunks, the department said in a statement.

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. Unusual skunk behavior can include: being out during the daytime, being aggressive, turning in circles, or appearing tame and unafraid of people or pets.

The Department of Health and Environment reminds pet owners to keep their animals up-to-date on rabies vaccinations to prevent quarantines—or even euthanasia—if pets have an encounter with a rabid animal. Livestock owners should check with their veterinarians about rabies vaccinations for their horses, cattle, and other livestock.

Ways to protect you and your family:

• Do not feed or touch wildlife.
• Teach children to observe wildlife from a distance and to notify an adult if there is a wild animal in the area or if they are bitten or scratched.
• Eliminate food sources for wild animals by not feeding pets outdoors, closing pet doors especially at night, and tightly closing garbage cans and feed bins.
• Ensure that your pets, horses and livestock are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.

For the latest information on rabies in Larimer County, visit http://www.larimer.org/rabies.

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