A skunk shot in Las Animas county tested positive for rabies Oct. 23, according to the Baca County Division of Emergency Management .
The skunk was shot in Trinchera after it tried to bite two dogs. The CSU Veterinary Diagnostic lab confirmed the animal had rabies after a local veterinarian submitted the carcass for testing, a press release said.
The Center for Disease Control will test the animal further to determine the specific strain of rabies.
The rabies case is the fourth in Colorado since June 2006. Three of the cases have originated in eastern Colorado in Prowers, Washington and Las Animas counties.
An animal that has rabies may have difficulty walking, make strange sounds or act overly aggressive, the release said.
Animals suspected of having the disease should be avoided and reported to authorities immediately.
Cassie Hewlings: 303-954-1638 or chewlings@denverpost.com.
