Deb D’Andrea, Nederland.     Rabies is something that doesn’t jump to the forefront of your brain when you think of Colorado; but unfortunately rabies is here in Boulder County. This past Friday, June 27th, a skunk was tested and found positive for “terrestrial” rabies and we’re not talking ‘extra terrestrials’ here.

For 2014 this skunk marks the 25th animal in Colorado to test positive; and it is the 4th animal in Boulder County this year. For 2013 in Boulder County, 9 skunks and 34 other animals tested positive for rabies. For those of us who travel and hike throughout Colorado with our pets, it means we need to be aware and keep our pets safe from rabies and animals who may be carriers.

Terrestrial rabies is carried by animals that travel on the ground, rather than by bats, which obviously fly. In Colorado we’re seeing skunks as the primary source of rabies, with raccoons and foxes at a lesser level; but as you travel south, the fox becomes the primary carrier. If you want to see a map of “Wildlife Reservoirs for Rabies,” check out:  http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/exposure/animals/wildlife_reservoirs.html.

Exposure to rabies is as simple as a bite or a scratch by an infected animal, sometimes undetectable until you start to witness symptoms. Unfortunately, rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system and can be fatal.

In a person, the initial symptoms are similar to the flu; in animals, signs are aggression, loss of fear, excessive vocalization, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, and restlessness. Some animals don’t show every sign but eventually become paralyzed and die.  Other animals show no signs of rabies other than death.

The rabies vaccine does work, as, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over the last 100 years, more than 90% of reported rabies animal cases have occurred in wildlife, with wild carnivores and bats being the principal hosts.

To help protect your pets from rabies, be sure they are up-to-date on their rabies vaccine.  If your pet is sensitive to this vaccine, discuss options with your Veterinary so that your pet can be protected.

Till next time! Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz, provides Petz Nanny Services, Canine Massage, and coming soon, Canine Agility. 4TheLuvOfDogz home-made dog treats are sold at local stores and K9Birthday Cakes are available directly from Deb. 4TheLuvOfDogz cares for dogs, cats, birds, fish, and horses; but no children. Contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or   info@4theluvofdogz.com. Online: www.4theluvofdogz.com