Skunk with rabies bites dog in Avondale

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment is warning residents to be careful after a rabid skunk bit a dog.

The incident happened in Avondale. The skunk was sluggish and active during the daylight hours when it bit a pet dog. The skunk was sent to a lab for testing and it confirmed the animal tested positive for rabies.

According to the PDPHE, rabies is caused by a virus and can be transmitted by a bite or saliva getting into a wound, eyes, mouth, or nose.

Symptoms of rabies include:

• Fever
• Agitation
• Abnormal behavior
• Seizures
• Paralysis

“It is important for any pets and livestock in the Avondale area who may have had contact with a skunk to be examined immediately by a licensed veterinarian," said Vicki Carlton, Program Manager at the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment. "Rabies is deadly to both humans and animals once symptoms begin; therefore, it is important when a person or pet has contact with wildlife to seek medical or veterinary care immediately.”

To protect pets, PDPHE says it's important to vaccinate pets through a licensed veterinarian.

Contact the United States Department of Agriculture (719)-355-9629 for collection and notify the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment at 583-4307 to report an incident involving an infected animal.

You're asked to avoid exposure rabies by:

• Never touch a wild animal.
• If you are bitten by a wild animal, wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water and then contact both your physician and the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment.
• 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.
• If your pet has been exposed to wildlife contact your veterinarian and report the incident to the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment.
• Protect your dog from wildlife by walking your dog on a leash.

In April, a bat, that tested positive for rabies, bit a person in the Regency Park area of Pueblo. They received a rabies vaccine to prevent the illness.

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