Colorado agriculture and health officials are warning pet owners in the Denver area to be vigilant after six rabid skunks have been found in Arapahoe, Adams and Elbert counties since January, including three in the past week.
“Pet owners are encouraged to check records to ensure rabies vaccinations are up to date,” officials said in a news release Monday. “Livestock may have been exposed to rabies and owners need to be vigilant in monitoring health issues in their animals and discuss any animal health concerns with their local veterinarian.”
The Tri-County Health Department says staff members will speak with residents living near each of the skunk incidents.
“These rabid skunks confirm that rabies is present in the eastern regions of these counties,” John Douglas, executive director of the Tri-County Health Department, said in the release. “Rabies can spread from skunks to other mammals and we are concerned about the increase in skunk activity this time of year. Rabies is a deadly disease and vaccination is the single best method to protect your pets and livestock.”
At the start of April, health officials in Weld County confirmed five skunks tested positive for rabies in five areas since January. Those were captured in Erie, Evans, Longmont, Mead and Keenesburg.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or twitter.com/JesseAPaul
