May 28, 2008 9:41 pm US/Mountain
Rabid Skunks Growing In Population In Colorado
Reporting
Paul Day
DENVER (CBS4) ―
The state's population of skunks is under increased surveillance following a rare outbreak of rabies.
"That's unusual," John Pape with the Colorado State Health Department said. "Since we really haven't had skunk rabies circulating in this state in probably over 30 years now."
Starting last fall, seven confirmed cases of rabies in skunks have been reported, all on the Eastern Plains. In 2007, three cases occurred in Prowers, Washington and Las Animas counties. This year, additional cases of rabies in skunks showed up in Kit Carson, Yuma and Adams County. Both Adams County cases occurred in the town of Byers.
So far, skunks in the Denver Metro Area apparently are free of rabies, but it could be just a matter of time.
"I think the potential exists that it could eventually reach the Front Range," said Pape, an epidemiologist.
There are obvious signs to look for when a skunk develops rabies. They become more aggressive, they stagger about and the normally nocturnal animals make appearances in broad daylight.
"Personally, I've never come across it," said David Meils, a wildlife technician with a company called Critter Control.
Meils said he routinely traps problem skunks from under decks and homes.
"When they're living under your porch and one sprays under there and it goes through a foot of concrete and you smell it, you will not want to live there," he said.
By law, trapped skunks cannot be relocated and must be humanely put to death because they're capable of transmitting rabies.
Experts say humans are not directly at risk from rabid skunks, but pet owners should consider rabies shots for their animals.
"To me the most critical piece is making sure people vaccinate their animals," Pape said.
He said rabies shots for pets are the most effective barrier between rabid skunks and people being exposed.
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