Rabies and Health in Boulder County
Rabies can be found in wildlife in Boulder County, placing both humans and animals at risk for this deadly disease. There is no cure for rabies, and it is nearly always fatal if untreated. If you think an animal may have bitten you, immediately and thoroughly cleanse the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention.
Prevent Exposure to Rabies
The best way to prevent rabies is to reduce the risk of contact with an infected animal.
- Keep wild animals from entering your living space.
- Keep pets and livestock up-to-date on rabies vaccination.
- Do not touch any wild animal that is exhibiting unusual behavior.
- Contact animal control.
Testing Animal Specimens for Rabies
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) makes the final decision on whether to test a specimen or not. Animals that carry rabies are typically tested if they:
- Were in a home for an unknown period
- Were in a space where a person was sleeping
- Had contact or potential contact with a human or a pet (including livestock)
Never throw away a dead animal that may carry rabies unless you have spoken with public health first to have them determine the need for testing. Specimens are usually sent to the state lab for testing regardless of the condition of the animal. Rabies specimens should not be frozen as it can delay the test results. In some cases, animals that do not normally carry rabies will be tested (for example, a coyote that bites a person or a pet).
Skunks
Some favorite skunk hideouts are house or basement foundations. The most effective control for skunks is to bury wire mesh 18″ underground around these structures or use sheet metal or concrete to seal access points. Skunks don’t like loud noises or light; therefore, you can also try to shine a light into their hiding places.
Animals are attracted to food and harborage. If you eliminate these, you should eliminate the problem.
Bats
Keep Bats Out
Bats carry rabies and should never be handled. Bats can find their way into houses, causing odors, noise, and nuisance conditions. Bats can fit through cracks 1/4″ wide.
- The best prevention is to ensure all cracks around your structure are well-sealed.
- If bats are found living in or around your house, you will need to seal off their entrance to your residence when they are out foraging at night.
If You Find a Bat in Your House
- Do not attempt to handle bats.
- Safely contain the bat without touching it and call 303-441-1564.
Bat Exposure
- If bitten or scratched by a bat, contact your physician or local medical emergency clinic and Boulder County Public Health at 303-441-1564.
- Clean any potentially injured area with soap and water immediately, and apply alcohol or iodine.
- If the bat is not captured, you will need preventative treatment immediately.
- Make a reasonable attempt to capture the bat, taking precautions with heavy gloves or tongs; do not damage the bat’s head.
If your pet catches a bat or you find one in your house, contact Boulder County Public Health at 303-441-1564 to determine if testing is necessary.
