Rabid Skunks Found In Pueblo

Public Health Department officials announced Wednesday three skunks have tested positive for rabies in Pueblo. These are the first skunks to test positive in Pueblo County this year.

The Public Health Director at the Pueblo City-County Health Department said there was no human contact with the identified skunks.

The skunks were found at Garland Rd on the Mesa, Paloma Place and Roselawn Rd. in the Salt Creek neighborhood, and the 2400 block of Winnipeg Street west of Lake Minnequa.

Skunk rabies poses a threat to under-and-unvaccinated pets and livestock, because the chances are high that unprotected animals will get rabies infection and die after exposure (such as being bitten by a rabid skunk). Pets can bring this fatal disease into the home and be a danger to family or friends.

The Health Department says that when you see a skunk or other animals during daylight hours acting abnormally — such as stumbling or acting overly aggressive — make sure to stay away from the animal.

While rabies is most commonly found in bats, people and pets should avoid contact with skunks and other wild animals such as foxes or raccoons, since these animals may be rabid.

Here are some key rabies prevention steps:

~Ensure that dogs, cats and ferrets are vaccinated properly against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.

~Discuss vaccinating horses and other livestock with your veterinarian. If you believe your animal has been exposed to rabies, or possibly bitten by a rabid animal, immediately contact your veterinarian.

~Do not feed wild animals or allow your pets around them. Teach children to stay away from wild mammals. Do not keep pet food outside as that may attract wild animals.

~Protect all pets, particularly animals too young to be vaccinated, from contact with wild animals. Puppies and kittens should be vaccinated for rabies as early as three months old.

~Contact your veterinarian if your dog or cat is bitten or scratched by wild animals, such as skunks, bats, foxes or raccoons.

~Take steps to bat-proof your home.

If you or a family member has been bitten by a wild animal or a domestic animal, contact your physician and Pueblo Animal Services at 719-544-3005 immediately.

During daytime, you can call the U.S. Department of Agricultures’ local Wildlife Specialist at 719-250-9035.