A raccoon found in southeast Fort Collins has tested positive for rabies, according to the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment. This is the first time a rabid raccoon has been reported in Larimer County, and only the second time one has been found in a Front Range county since 1963. The Cheyenne County raccoon that was found in 2008 was the only other rabid one since then.
The raccoon was killed by several dogs and sent for testing by the owner after it was spotted near Trilby and Lemay in southeast Fort Collins. The dogs had their rabies vaccination and are currently under observation for 45 days.
The rabies was first detected in skunks in early May. The cases of rabies in wildlife continue to increase and there have been detected 21 skunks, 6 bats, 1 bison, and now a raccoon as of 19 of July. The trapped and tested are the only animals that are known to have rabies in the county, but the actual number of infected animals is much higher.
Rabies is a virus that affects the central nervous system and is deadly to both animals and humans. Terrestrial rabies is caused by animals that move on the ground rather than in the air (like bats). The virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal and can be spread through a bite, scratch, or even contact with mucous membranes. Rabies is more likely to occur in wildlife, livestock, and pets if they are exposed to terrestrial animals such as skunks, foxes, and raccoons than to bats.
Humans can be exposed to the rabies virus through a bite, scratch, or contact with mucous membranes from unvaccinated pets that have been infected by animals with rabies. If a person is exposed, they are given a series of shots to prevent them from getting the virus.
Pets who are behind vaccination should be vaccinated and quarantined at home for 90 days. Pets who are fully vaccinated need a booster shot and should be quarantined for 45 days at home.
Health Department recommends taking the following measures to prevent your pet or yourself from catching rabies:
- Leash your pets and keep them under control when they are outside and accompanying you on a walk in your neighborhood or parks, or open spaces. Pets who roam freely are more likely to come into contact with wild animals and may be infected.
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies and keep their vaccinations up to date. Animals that are too young to be vaccinated or that have not had their full series of shots should be kept inside.
- Your pets should be fed indoors and not allowed to scavenge for food outdoors. Bring them inside your home at night. This will help reduce the chances of them coming into contact with infected animals.
- Do not leave pet food or water outside where it can attract wild animals, which can potentially spread rabies.
- Keep your garbage in cans with tight lids. Wash hands with soap and water after contact with pet food or waste (including litter boxes).
- Do not allow your pet to approach or touch any wild animal, even if it looks friendly. Do not keep wild animals as pets. Be cautious of stray cats and dogs.
- Do not feed wildlife. Keep birdseed in covered metal containers to prevent attracting raccoons, skunks and other wild animals that may carry rabies. If you find a dead or sick animal: Do not touch it with your bare hands or allow pets to investigate the carcass. Report the dead animal to a local Animal Control agency.
- Teach your children not to approach or touch unfamiliar animals, and to tell an adult if they are scratch, bitten, or see a wild animal or a pet that is acting strange.
- If your pet is bitten or scratched by an animal that may have rabies, seek veterinary care immediately and report the incident to your local Wildlife Control agency.
- Call your doctor if you have been bitten or scratched by an animal and are not sure if it is safe to wait for treatment.
Rabies Prevention
Rabies is a serious disease and can be fatal if not treated. There is no cure for rabies, but it can be prevented if a person or pet is exposed to the virus and given a series of shots.
Pets should be vaccinated against rabies as soon as they are old enough, and booster shots should be kept up to date. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal that may have rabies, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to your local health department.
The best way to protect yourself and your pets from rabies is to be aware of the danger and take precautions. Being proactive at preventing raccoon infestations and preventing contact with wildlife will help reduce your risk of exposure.
How to Prevent Raccoon Infestation
There are several things you can do to help prevent raccoon infestation.
- Do not leave pet food or water outside where it can attract wild animals, which can potentially spread raccoons and rabies if the animal is infected.
- Keep your garbage in cans with tight lids to keep out raccoons or any other animal that may be infected with the virus.
- Put fences around your garden, compost pile and trash cans to keep raccoons from getting into them.
- Keep pet food indoors. If you must feed pets outdoors, be sure their dishes are emptied every night before dark so that no animals can eat any leftover scraps of food left in the dish.
- Clean up garbage and litter around your property to make it less attractive to raccoons and other pests like rodents and skunks.
By following these simple steps, you can help prevent raccoon infestation in your neighborhood and keep yourself safe from the threat of rabies.
Choosing A Respectable Wildlife Removal Company
When choosing a wildlife removal company, it is important to do your research. The best way to find a reputable company is through word of mouth. Make sure to ask for references and read reviews from past customers. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. Ask questions about the company’s experience and expertise, as well as their licensing and insurance status.
If you do choose to hire an animal removal company, make sure they are licensed by the state in which they operate and insured against any potential damage that may occur on your property as a result of their work. By taking the time to do your research, you can be sure that the company you hire will be a reputable and professional operation.
AAAC Wildlife Removal is a licensed and insured company that has been providing quality animal removal services for over 20 years. We have the experience and expertise to handle any wildlife control situation, big or small. We are proud to offer our services to clients in Fort Collins and all of Northern Colorado. For more information, please call us.
News originally from https://denver.cbslocal.com/2012/07/19/larimer-county-raccoon-has-rabies/
