Weld County skunk tests positive for rabies

A skunk in Weld County has tested positive for rabies for the first time since 2023, according to an announcement made by the county on Friday afternoon.

The skunk was discovered on a residential property east of Eaton on Tuesday, as stated in a county news release. The animal was exhibiting abnormal behavior near livestock, prompting the property owner to contact animal control and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment.

Rabies is a viral disease that is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms begin. Bats and skunks are the most common carriers of the virus in Colorado, but it can also affect other wildlife such as foxes, raccoons, and coyotes.

Signs that a skunk may have rabies include activity during the day, aggressive behavior, or poor coordination.

Rabies can spread to people and pets through bites and scratches from an infected animal.

Although there have been no human deaths from rabies in the county, several dozen people have required preventative treatment following contact with wild animals. In 2018, 21 individuals were exposed to rabies after a woman in southern Weld County brought a baby raccoon into her home, which had been abandoned by its mother.

Health department officials referred to this incident as the largest rabies exposure ever experienced by the county.

Individuals who believe they have been exposed to rabies should seek immediate medical attention. Effective treatment is available if administered before symptoms appear.

Pet owners are advised to have all domestic animals vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian, including dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Unvaccinated pets that come into contact with a rabid animal must either be euthanized or quarantined for 120 days at the owner’s expense.

To prevent exposure to rabies, the county recommends the following:

• Avoid feeding, touching, or handling wild animals
• Supervise unvaccinated puppies or kittens while they are outside until they have been vaccinated and for 28 days after vaccination
• Spay or neuter pets to reduce the number of stray animals in the neighborhood

For more information or if pets have had contact with a wild animal, contact the county health department at 970-400-2290. Additional information on rabies can be found at weld.gov/go/zoonosis.