An alpaca in Douglas County is one of 32 cases of confirmed rabies infection in Colorado, health officials say.
Although it’s more common for skunks, bats, raccoons and foxes to contract the disease, rabies can also hit pets and livestock, according to the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Tri-County Health Department.
Last year, there were . Two were dogs, while 93 were skunks, 63 were bats and 7 were other wildlife, according to data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Of this year’s that have so far tested positive for rabies, 12 were known or strongly suspected of exposing 33 domestic pets, 7 livestock animals and two people to the disease.
Rabies spreads primarily by saliva through the bite of a rabid animal. Once symptoms appear, there is no cure and the infection is fatal. Those who have been exposed can receive medical treatment to prevent the illness.
The health department recommends routine vaccinations for pets and livestock.
