Health officials in Weld County say five skunks have tested positive for rabies in five different areas since January, four within the last week.
The skunks were captured in Erie, Evans, Longmont, Mead and Keenesburg, the county’s department of public health and environment said in a news release Wednesday.
“One skunk was found on Main Street in downtown Mead; another within the city limits of Evans,” the release said.
The department is warning people not to touch or go near wild animals and to vaccinate pets.
“This year we are seeing more cases of rabies in residential areas,” Cheryl Darnell, laboratory manager at the heath department, said in a statement.
Officials say rabid animals do bite humans, as evident by a Platteville man who was bitten by a feral cat in late 2013.
“The risk of human exposure to rabies increases when pets and domestic animals are not properly vaccinated,” Darnell said. “Obviously, if you are in direct contact with a rabid animal, such as a raccoon or bat, your risk is extremely high.”
Signs of rabies include increases in saliva and drooling, nocturnal animals seen out during the daytime and slow or difficult movement, officials said.
“Other signs may be aggressive behavior, such as a skunk attacking a dog,” according to the release.
Health officials say effective vaccination treatment is available to prevent rabies if started before symptoms appear.
Jesse Paul: 303-954-1733, jpaul@denverpost.com or
