Breaking

Rabid bat found in Colorado county, first of 2021 - OutThere Colorado
Jul 31, 2021 1 min, 15 secs

A bat tested positive for rabies in El Paso County, making it the area's first case in 2021, public health officials report Saturday.

El Paso County Public Health officials are urging residents to keep pets vaccinated against rabies and to avoid wild animal encounters after the positive case of rabies was found.

Pets should be kept inside at night to reduce the risk of encounters with wildlife, officials said.

If you or a family member is bitten or scratched by a wild or unknown animal, call your doctor and report to El Paso County Public Health at 719-578-3220 or 719-235-2278 after-hours.

If you encounter a lost or stray dog or cat in the El Paso County area, contact the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region at 719-473-1741.

Sick animals may not run away from people while healthy wild animals are typically afraid of humans, officials said.

If an wild animal is sick with rabies, the animal will typically act aggressively.

Other times, rabid animals are overly quiet and passive and want to hide.

Rabid wildlife might also stumble or have trouble walking.

Report sick or diseased animals in the Pikes Peak region to the local Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 719-227-5200.

Rabies is spread primarily through the bite of rabid animals, resulting in the spread of the disease through their infected saliva.

Rabies also can be spread when saliva from an infected animal gets into open wounds, cuts or enters through membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.

RECENT NEWS

SUBSCRIBE

Get monthly updates and free resources.

CONNECT WITH US

© Copyright 2024 365NEWSX - All RIGHTS RESERVED