Rabies-Positive Skunk Found In Jefferson County

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO – A skunk found in Jefferson County has tested positive for rabies, the Jefferson County Department of Public Health said Thursday. This was the first wild animal that tested positive for rabies in the county in 2019, the agency said.

The skunk was found in the foothills area of unincorporated Jefferson County, near Interstate 70 and Paradise Road, the agency said in a statement. No humans or pets were exposed to the skunk.

Rabies is most often found in bats and skunks in the area, but can also be found in foxes, raccoons and other wild mammals.

In 2018, 18 skunks and eight bats tested positive for rabies in Jefferson County, exposing several pets and people to the virus. The state saw an uptick in 2018 rabies cases, with more than 160 skunks found positive for rabies in Colorado.

Both bats and skunks are nocturnal animals, and any sighting of them during daylight hours or in unusual places, such as inside or on a lawn, indicates a risk that the animal may have rabies, the county health department said. (Bats that are unable to fly should be reported immediately to animal control officials). Jefferson County residents and visitors should be cautious of wildlife and aware of the risks of exposure.

Here are some more recommendations from the Jefferson County Department of Public Health to prevent rabies:

• Pet owners should be sure their pets have current immunizations for rabies and keep their pets from roaming free. Vaccination is essential to protect pets and prevent further spread of the disease.
• Vaccination is important for indoor pets as well, because rabid bats can get inside homes.
• Residents are urged not to handle wild animals.
• Wash any wound from an animal thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
• Have all dead, sick or captured bats/skunks tested for rabies if exposure to people or pets is suspected.
• Keep wild animals from entering homes, churches, schools and other similar areas where they might contact people and pets. Seal up holes that might allow bats into your living quarters. Any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch should be caulked. Use window screens, chimney caps and draft-guards beneath doors to attics; fill electrical and plumbing holes with stainless steel wool or caulking; and ensure that all doors to the outside close tightly.

To report a suspicious or dead animal or an animal bite, please contact your local animal control agency, or Jefferson County Animal Control at (303) 271-5070.