Fox, Raccoon Test Positive For Rabies In Boulder County
BOULDER COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) – A fox and a raccoon in Boulder County have both tested positive for rabies.
The fox was found near 2nd Avenue and Stickney Avenue in Lyons. The raccoon was found near 9th Street and Kalmia Avenue in Boulder.
According to Boulder County officials, seven animals in Boulder County and 40 in the state have tested positive for rabies. There were 24 animals that tested positive for rabies, including nine skunks in Boulder County last year.
Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is 100 percent fatal unless it is treated before any symptoms appear.
"Bats are the most common animal source of rabies in Colorado, but of the seven animals testing positive in Boulder County so far this year, five have been terrestrial," said Lane Drager, Consumer Protection Program coordinator for Boulder County Public Health.
Additional Information
Public health officials recommend the following precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to rabies:
- DO NOT handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. Contact animal control to collect the animal.
- Thoroughly wash any wound caused by an animal with soap and water, and seek medical attention immediately.
- Keep vaccinations current for all dogs, cats, ferrets, and horses.
- Maintain control of pets by keeping cats and ferrets indoors and keeping dogs under direct supervision.
- Teach children to leave wildlife alone.
- Do not leave pet food or livestock feed in areas that are accessible to wildlife.
- If a person or pet has been scratched, bitten by, or has had contact with a bat or wild animal, seek medical care immediately, and then contact your local animal control agency or Boulder County Public Health to arrange for rabies testing.
For more information about rabies, visit www.BoulderCountyVector.org or call 303.441.1564.
