Irene Shonle & Bonnie Albrecht,  Gilpin County.  Rabies is on the rise in nearby counties and across the state, which means we all need to pay attention. In 2017, 165 animals in Colorado tested positive for rabies. So far in 2018, 180 animals have already tested positive for rabies, and Jefferson County has had 11 confirmed cases of rabies in skunks as of May 30th. Rabies is most commonly found in skunks and bats in the area. Luckily for us high elevation folks, skunks are a little less common at this elevation, but bats are frequent throughout the summer.

Rabies has also been found in other wild mammals, including foxes and raccoons. As you are out enjoying the outdoors this summer, be cautious of wildlife and aware of the risks of exposure. Avoid contact with any wild animals, especially any that act in an unusual manner. Wildlife suffering from rabies will often be out during the day, act aggressively and violently approach people or pets. Rabid wildlife might also stumble or have trouble walking. A healthy wild animal will generally avoid human contact. If you see a dead or sick skunk, bat, fox, raccoon, or other wildlife, do not handle it, and do not let your pets get near it. People or animals can get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal or from a rabid animal’s saliva if it comes in contact with their eyes, nose, mouth or open wounds.

To reduce the risk of exposure, teach children to stay away from all wild animals, stray domestic pets or any dead animals and tell an adult if they are scratched or bitten. Do not let pets roam freely, since this can increase the chance that they could be exposed without your knowledge. Do not feed wild animals, since this reduces their natural fear of humans and increases your chance of exposure. Do not leave pet food or livestock feed outside or feed more than your outdoor pet will finish in one feeding.

What happens if you are exposed to rabies, either through handling an animal or through a bite? If a person has been bitten or scratched by a wild mammal, you should wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, seek immediate medical attention and notify Gilpin Public Health at 303-582-5803.

Contact your veterinarian if your dog or cat is bitten or scratched by a wild animal. Now that rabies has been found in a terrestrial animal, any pet’s encounter with any wild animal, including ones that don’t display evidence of illness, will be treated like an exposure to a rabid animal. Domestic animals with an expired rabies tag or without any rabies vaccinations will be classified as high risk and be required to undergo a 120-day quarantine. Vaccinated pets may have a shorter quarantine. Confirmed infected pets will almost certainly be euthanized. For these reasons, please be sure to vaccinate all of your domestic pets and even your valuable livestock against rabies and be sure vaccinations are kept up-to-date. It is also a requirement to get a dog license, which are required by County ordinance.

To report a suspicious animal, please contact the Gilpin County Sheriff’s office: 303-582-5500 or Gilpin County Public Health: 303-582-5803.

The CSU Gilpin County Extension Office is located at the Exhibit Barn, 230 Norton Drive, Black Hawk, CO 80422, 303-582-9106, www.gilpin.extension.colostate.edu. Colorado State University Extension provides unbiased, research-based information about, horticulture, natural resources, and 4-H youth development. Colorado State University Extension is dedicated to serving all people on an equal and nondiscriminatory basis.