Skunks test positive for rabies in Pueblo County

Several skunks tested positive for rabies near North Mesa Elementary School in Pueblo County this week.

The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment said the skunks were close to City Park. However, a skunk also tested positive in the St. Charles Mesa area in Pueblo County earlier this year.

Jody Carrillo, the division director the Environmental Health and Emergency Preparedness, says it’s unusual for animals to test positive for rabies in the winter. However, wild skunks, bats, and other animals in Pueblo County can still contract the virus.

Carrillo said, “Wild animals, including skunks, are to be left alone and not touched.”

If you encounter wildlife, you’re asked to immediately remove yourself and pets from the area. If a skunk does come in contact with a human or pet, it needs to immediately be tested for rabies.

Rabies is a virus transmitted to a person after being bitten by an infected animal. It can also be spread if the infected animal’s saliva gets into a cut or breaks the skin.

Officials are encouraging pet and livestock owners to visit a veterinarian to vaccinate their animals against rabies. If your dog or cat is not up-to-date on their vaccinations, you’re advised to get them vaccinated as well. If pets are not vaccinated, they have an extremely high chance of being infected and possibly dying.