Rabies, Rabbit Fever confirmed in Pueblo animals

The Pueblo City-County Health Department says three people had contact with a rabbit that tested positive for rabies.

“It is important to know bats are in all areas of Pueblo County, from city neighborhoods to the mountains,” said Sylvia Proud, public health director. “The individuals that were exposed to this bat are receiving rabies vaccine in a timely manner to prevent the illness,” she said.

Rabies is caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Bat teeth are very small and sharp; a wound from a bat bite may not be visible. Rabies also can be transmitted by a scratch or if the animal’s saliva gets into a cut or break in the skin. Just seeing a bat or being in the area, without any physical contact, is not a risk.

The health department says it’s important to make sure pets and livestock are vaccinated against the vaccine.

Your Safety: Rabies Never touch a wild bat or any other wild animal. A healthy bat likely will not come near enough to be touched, therefore a bat that is slow, lying on the ground or lands on a person could be showing signs of illness. Bats out during the day are more worrisome. If you can touch the animal, chances are it is sick. Children who find a bat should leave it where it is, do not touch it, and tell an adult.
Do not pick up a bat with your hands, even if you’re wearing gloves. Use a shovel to place in a bucket or coffee can if the bat needs to be tested.
If you are bitten by a bat, other wild animal, or if you suspect you’ve been exposed to their saliva, try to contain the animal without touching it or monitor where the animal wanders off to. Contact your local animal control agency 544-3005 press”0″ or health department 583-4307 for the animal to be collected for testing.
Keep your doors and windows covered with intact screens. Do not leave screenless doors or windows open in the evening.
If you have bats in your house, try to find the source of entry and seal it. If assistance is needed, look in the phonebook under “Pest Control” to contact a local pest control business who has experience on removing bats.
Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies. Keep in mind that vaccines not administered by a licensed veterinarian are not considered valid vaccinations in the State of Colorado, including Pueblo County.

Tularemia, or Rabbit Fever, has also been confirmed in Pueblo County.

A wild rabbit that was found in the Liberty Point area of Pueblo West tested positive for the bacteria.

No people had contact with the sick rabbit.

“Pueblo residents are advised that tularemia-causing bacteria may be present in some of the mammals – especially rabbits, rodents and hares and on the ground where these animals may be active,” said Vicki Carlton, program manager in the environmental health division at the Pueblo City-County Health Department. “Although there are no human cases of tularemia identified in Pueblo so far this year, Colorado has experienced human tularemia cases in people who have been exposed to contaminated soil, drinking contaminated water or inhaling bacteria,” she said.

The health department says there have been rabbit die-offs in Pueblo West over the last month as a result of the illness.

Tularemia is a bacterial infection most commonly transmitted to humans by the handling of sick or dead animals. Infection can also occur from the bite of infected insects (most commonly ticks and deer flies) as well as exposure to soil and vegetation. Hunters who skin animals without gloves and are exposed to infected blood through an open wound are also at risk.

Typical signs of infection in humans include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, chest pain, and coughing. Tularemia can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

Dogs and cats can also get Tularemia. If your pet shows symptoms of illness including fever, nasal and eye discharge, and skin sores, take it to a veterinarian promptly. Tularemia is easily treated if diagnosed early in dogs and cats.

Your Safety: Tularemia Avoid handling wild animals.
When outdoors near places where wild rabbits or rodents are present, wear insect repellent containing DEET.
Use a dust mask when mowing or doing yard work. Do not mow over animal carcasses.
Leash your pets when outdoors and keep them away from dead animals.
Routinely use a tick and flea prevention treatment on pets.
If a dead animal must be moved, avoid direct contact with it. Wear insect repellent to protect yourself from its fleas or ticks, and use a long-handled shovel to scoop it up. Place it in a garbage bag and dispose in an outdoor trash receptacle. Wash your hands with soap and water afterwards.
Wear proper footwear outdoors where dead animals have been found.
Do not go barefoot or wear sandals while gardening, mowing or landscaping.
Wear gloves while gardening or landscaping, and wash your hands after these activities.
Do not drink unpurified water from streams or lakes or allow your pets to drink surface waters.

If you hunt, trap or skin animals, take additional steps:

Use impervious gloves when skinning or handling animals, especially rabbits.
Cook the meat of wild rabbits thoroughly to a temperature of 165F or higher.