Rabies Update #2
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Update on the Current Rabies Outbreak in Colorado (May 26, 2017)

Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. Being a Zoonotic disease, it is transmittable to humans. Although it has been present in bats in Colorado for many years, it was rarely found in terrestrial mammals from the late 1960’s until 2007. In 2007 rabies began showing up in skunks along the eastern edge of the state and began spreading westward. By 2010, 129 cases were confirmed in wildlife, including 64 bats, 63 skunks and 7 foxes. Fortunately the various strains of the virus are largely species specific and don’t cross over readily to other species. For example, a raccoon bitten by a rabid skunk would likely contract the disease but an outbreak in the local raccoon population is not likely.

Incidents of rabies in wild animals typically peak in late spring and early summer, March to June. Thus it’s not surprising that rabies has been in the news in Colorado recently. Although rabies was relatively quiet in El Paso County in 2016 (only 3 bat cases were confirmed), we’ve already had 2 cases confirmed in skunks in 2017. One was in a barn in the Black Forest. Though not a cause for alarm, county residents should be on the alert. Another red flag for northeastern Colorado (Weld and Yuma Counties) is that for the first time in a decade 2 pet dogs tested positive. Neither dog was current on proper vaccinations and both were euthanized.

During 2016, 88 animals from Colorado tested positive for rabies. Of those, 66 were known or strongly suspected of exposing 113 domestic pets, 120 livestock animals, and 54 humans. True to form, 58 of the confirmed cases were in bats and 25 in skunks. So far in 2017, 48 animals have tested positive. Of those, 29 were known or suspected of exposing 56 domestic pets, 22 livestock animals and 19 people. So far, 5 bats, 38 skunks, 2 foxes, 1 coyote and 2 dogs have been confirmed.

Pre-exposure vaccinations against rabies for pets and people are very effective in preventing contraction. Post-exposure vaccinations are also very effective if administered soon enough; otherwise the disease is almost always fatal.

Though the disease is rarely rampant in the US due to mandatory pet vaccinations and oral vaccine programs for wildlife, the World Health Organization reports that roughly 60,000 people die annually from rabies, mostly in Africa and Asia. More than 15 million people receive post-exposure prophylaxis every year.

What to look for:

Symptoms of rabies in wildlife can include tremors/convulsions, partial paralysis, disorientation, nocturnal animals boldly active during daytime, no fear of people, and unprovoked aggression. If you see a skunk or other wild animal demonstrating these odd behaviors, keep a safe distance and report the incident to one of the following as soon as possible:

• Colorado Parks and Wildlife: 719-227-5200
• Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region: 719-473-1741
• Private wildlife control operator, e.g., Alpine Animal Control: 719-636-1014

Any of these can assist in containing/capturing the animal and submitting it for rabies testing. If human or pet exposure has been observed, or is possible, report the incident immediately to:

Communicable Disease Section

El Paso County Department of Health & Environment

Business hours: 719-578-3220
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After hours: 719-235-2278