How to keep yourself, pets safe after rabid cat found in Weld County, 19 rabies cases in Larimer County
Sady Swanson
Rabies cases in Larimer and Weld counties continue to rise after a rabid bat was found in Loveland and a cat tested positive for the disease near Ault.
A rabid bat was found June 6 in the 200 block of Garfield Avenue, according to Larimer County Health and Environment. This case brings the total number of cases confirmed this year in Larimer County to 19.
This was the first bat found in Larimer County this year. The other 18 reports have all been of rabid skunks.
Aside from this year, rabid bats have outnumbered rabid skunks in Larimer County every year since 2013.
For an interactive map of the rabies cases in Larimer County, visit https://noconow.co/rabies.
On June 11, a cat found near Ault tested positive for rabies, according to the Weld County Health Department. The incident marks the 14th rabies case reported in the county this year.
Before the cat was tested, one person was exposed to the animal and immediately began receiving rabies post-exposure treatment, according to a news release.
“Any mammal, including humans, is at risk for contracting rabies. The risk of human exposure to rabies increases when pets and domestic animals are not properly vaccinated,” said Mark E. Wallace, executive director of the Weld County Health Department, in a news release.
The Humane Society of Weld County offers low-cost vaccination clinics on the first and third Saturday every month from 1:30-3:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.weldcountyhumane.org/veterinary-services.
How is rabies transmitted?
Rabies, which causes brain and spinal cord inflammation, is transmitted in saliva from the bite of an infected animal. It can also be transmitted from an infected animal's saliva to an open cut, scratch or wound.
What signs and symptoms should I watch for?
Signs of rabies include increased drooling and saliva, nocturnal animals seen out and active during the day, slow or difficult movement, confusion and aggression.
If you think you have been exposed to rabies, contact your doctor immediately. Rabies is almost always fatal if left untreated, but medicine is available to prevent contracting rabies if started before symptoms appear, according to a news release.
How can I protect myself and my pets?
- Don't touch, feed or handle wild animals.
- Be cautious around stray dogs and cats and watch for signs of rabies.
- Have all animals (dogs, cats, horses and livestock) vaccinated regularly by a licensed veterinarian.
- Keep food inside, feed pets inside and do not feed wild animals.
- Spay or neuter your pets to reduce the number of stray animals.
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