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RABIES INFORMATION SHEET
As a cooperative public service this information is being distributed to your family.
Since September 15, 2008 there have been two confirmed cases of rabies in skunks within the town limits of Limon. Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can be passed to humans. Following are some helpful tips and facts. Animals do not recover from a rabies infection. The virus is spread through bites and possibly by contact of saliva from infected animals to human cuts and abrasions. Vaccination for rabies is the easiest way to prevent this disease. If vaccination is not practical or available, do not leave the animal or pet alone outside by itself.
To reduce the risk of human and pet exposure: DO NOT encourage wildlife to cohabitate with pets. Do not leave free choice pet food outdoors. Do not feed wild cats, skunks and raccoons. DO be watchful of odd behavior in wild animals, stray dogs and cats. *Wild animals with no fear of pets or humans *Night creatures suddenly active during the day *Wild animals with unprovoked aggressive behavior *Wild animals that seem very depressed or "dumb" *Animals acting unusually sick or drooling/foaming at the mouth DO discourage children from helping these animals If any animal especially wild or feral, is acting in a peculiar manner, contact local authorities, Department of Public Health, Division of Wildlife and/or your veterinarian.
If there has been any human exposure or bite by an odd acting animal:
Contact your Doctor for guidance on whether the rabies vaccination series should be started. Keep the animal in view, but do not kill the animal with any trauma to the head as the brain may be needed for testing. Contact a local authority about the animal and they will help guide you with the next steps of whether the animal should be euthanized or quarantined. Wash any bite with copious amounts of water and soap.
Again please note that if your animal becomes infected with rabies there is not treatment and it puts other animals AND humans at risk.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s office Limon Police Department Department of Wildlife Hugo, CO 80821 Limon, CO 80828 Limon, CO 80828 719 743-2426 719 775-9211 719 775-2025
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