Pet and Livestock Owners warned to Vaccinate against Rabies

Pet and Livestock Owners warned to Vaccinate against Rabies

Maura Bennett
Maura Bennett
Colorado landowners are being warned to vaccinate. Rabies is a real danger this summer with the rabid skunk populations on the rise especially on the east side of the state.

"Essentially every county east of I-25 in Colorado has seen rabid skunks at one time or another and the majority of those counties have also experienced a spill-over of rabies or rabies exposure from skunks to livestock."

State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr says it's important to be aware that rabies can transfer from one species to another so landowners should monitor properties for skunks. And he says local vets are a valuable resource to help decide the best actions to take to protect animals.

"Skunks like living around infrastructure, under barns, wood piles, other stored equipment or material. If there's livestock in and around those areas, the vaccine is very effective. And ti could potentially save the lives of the animals or at least decrease their quarantine time.

Rabies is a viral disease that infects the brain in nearly all cases results in death. Dr. Roehr says barn cats are an often overlooked opportunity for vaccinations.

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