Contact: Nancy Braden
Public Health Communications
303-239-7137 or
Animal Borne Disease Program
303-271-5700
The first known case of rabies in a Colorado horse in the past 25 years was confirmed in El Paso County in September 2009, with another case confirmed in eastern Arapahoe County in April of 2010. The American Horse Council Foundation estimates that there are 256,000 horses in Colorado, with a total economic impact of $1.6 billion a year. Over 100,000 Coloradans are involved in the horse industry, including horse owners, employees and volunteers.
Bats have historically been the main carriers of rabies in Colorado, however, this year it is rabid skunks that are of particular concern. Forty-one skunks have tested positive for rabies this year compared with zero bats thus far. Unlike bats―which have only sporadic contact with humans and animals―skunks often live near homes and barns, increasing the chances of contact with dogs, cats, horses and farm animals. Domestic animals can then become infected, placing humans at even greater risk for exposure.
Dave Volkel, JCPH Animal Borne Disease Program, points out that, “the chances of encountering a rabid skunk on the ground are a great deal higher then the chances of encountering a bat; thus rabies in skunks presents more of a threat to unattended livestock and free roaming pets.” Having dogs, cats, horses and livestock vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian is the simplest and most effective way to protect both animals and humans from rabies.
“Animal owners need to be aware that the incidence of rabies is increasing and the virus is transferring from one species to another,” said Dr. Keith Roehr, State Veterinarian, Colorado Department of Agriculture. Roehr advises owners to monitor their animals for symptoms and use resources available to them through their local veterinarians to protect their livestock and pets from rabies.
Rabies is caused by a virus, which affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. The virus is present in the saliva of infected animals. People or animals can get rabies from a bite or contact with saliva of any rabid animal―whether that is a wild animal or an infected pet, horse or farm animal. Immediate treatment is required after human exposure to an infected animal’s saliva.
In addition to rabies vaccinations for pets and livestock, there are additional precautions to prevent possible exposure to rabies:
- Do not feed, touch, or handle wild animals.
- Teach children to leave wildlife alone.
- Do not leave pet food or livestock feed in areas accessible to wildlife.
- Maintain control of your pets by keeping cats indoors and keeping dogs under direct supervision.
- Spay or neuter your pets to reduce the number of unwanted or stray animals in your community.
- Call your local animal control office to remove stray animals from your neighborhood or Jefferson County Animal Control at 303-271-5070
- Call the Colorado Division of Wildlife at (303)297-1192 if you have problems with wild animals.
If you are concerned that you or one of your animals might have been exposed to rabies, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.
Resources:
The agencies currently participating in this statewide rabies vaccination campaign include: Colorado Department of Agriculture; Colorado Veterinary Medical Association; Colorado Federation of Animal Welfare Agencies; Colorado Association of Animal Control Officers; Westernaires Precision Horse Drill Team; Colorado Horse Council; Colorado Horse Development Authority; Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and all local health departments along the Front Range, including Boulder, Denver, Elbert, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer, Tri-County (Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas) and Weld Counties.
