Larimer County has more rabies cases than rest of Colorado combined

Two new cases of rabies were reported Tuesday in Larimer County, increasing this year's total in the county to 13, which is more than the number of cases reported in the rest of the state combined.

And the reported cases are just the tip of iceberg, as many rabid animals, especially wildlife, go unreported, according to Katie O’Donnell, Larimer County Health Department spokesperson.

"We didn’t have a good break that we normally get in winter," she said. "We are trending higher than normal, and it’s likely not going to just stop."

O’Donnell said reported cases can vary depending on the year but that heightened awareness can also mean an increase in reported cases. Rabies can occur year-round, but most are reported during warmer months.

This year, seven rabies cases were reported in January, four in March and two in February. There are 25 total rabies case statewide.

Last year in Larimer County, there were 52 reported rabies cases, which ranked third behind Denver (76) and El Paso (69) counties. That included 45 skunks, six bats and one coyote. Like this year, most of those cases were skunks from Fort Collins to north of Wellington. Last year’s reported rabies total was the most since 2013, when 52 rabies cases were reported.

All 13 cases this year have been reported in skunks. Tuesday's cases were reported northwest of Loveland and west of Wellington.

O’Donnell said skunks have taken over as the top wildlife species in which rabies has been reported locally. This year and last year, 58 skunks and six bats were reported to have rabies. Between 2014 and 2017, of the 43 reported rabies cases, 41 were in bats.

Rabies is fatal to animals and humans but is preventable. One to two human rabies deaths are reported annually, while 90 percent of rabies cases are found in wild animals, according the the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Humans usually contract the virus after being bitten by an infected animal.

Residents of Larimer County and Timnath are required to have their animals vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian, according to Larimer Humane Society. Also, residents of Fort Collins, Loveland and Wellington are required to vaccinate their dogs and cats. In Fort Collins, residents are also required to vaccinate goats.

Stephenie Hoke, owner and veterinarian at Dark Horse Veterinary Service in Fort Collins, said rabies made a comeback in Colorado about 12 years ago and has increased rapidly since. She said the disease likely will continue that trend.

Hoke said it is highly encouraged that dog and cat owners as well as livestock owners get their animals vaccinated.

“People should consider vaccination as a life insurance policy,’’ said Hoke, who has been kept busy vaccinating pets and livestock this year. “If animals are vaccinated, I don’t have the horrible experience of euthanizing animals.’’

She said determining if an animal has rabies requires euthanizing the animal and testing its brain.

She said vaccines can be given annually or people can opt for a vaccine that works for three years. She added that vaccines vary in price and people should consult their veterinarian regarding cost.

John Fisher found a dead skunk in his driveway March 20 in northwest Fort Collins that tested positive for rabies. He had vaccinated his livestock and pets.

“John had a happy ending because his animals were vaccinated,’’ Hoke said. “It’s a scary disease but preventable.’’

O’Donnell said people should contact the health department if they suspect an animal has rabies. People who believe they might have been exposed to the rabies virus are advised to seek medical consultation immediately.

While skunks and bats make up the vast majority of rabies cases in Larimer County, any warm-blooded animal can contract rabies.

Signs of an animal, especially wild animals, possibly being rabid include not avoiding humans; aggressive behavior; overly passive behavior; not being able to freely move, eat or drink; and seeing animals often seen in early morning or evening in open areas in broad daylight.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct information from a previous version. Fort Collins residents are required to have their animals vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian, but the frequency of vaccination varies depending on the specific vaccine. Registration of animals must be updated annually. 

Rabies prevention

• Exposure to rabies should be treated in humans within seven days of exposure, but sooner is better. Pets and other domestic animals can be protected from getting rabies through vaccination. There is no effective post-exposure treatment for unvaccinated animals. Once a human or animal shows symptoms, it is nearly 100 percent fatal.
• Do not feed or touch wildlife.
• Teach children to observe wildlife from a distance and to notify an adult if there is a wild animal in the area or if they are bitten or scratched.
• Eliminate food sources for wild animals by not feeding pets outdoors, closing pet doors, especially at night, and tightly closing garbage cans and feed bins.

Source: Larimer County Health Department, www.larimer.org/health or 970-498-6700

Larimer County rabies numbers

2019: 13 (all skunks) as of March 26

2018: 52 (45 skunks, 6 bats, 1 coyote)

2017: 8 (7 bats, 1 skunk)

2016: 12 (all bats)

2015: 14 (all bats)

2014: 9 (8 bats, 1 skunk)

2013: 52 (35 skunks, 10 bats, 3 raccoons, 3 foxes, 1 cat)

Source: Larimer County Health Department

Miles Blumhardt looks for stories that impact your life — be it news, outdoors, sports, you name it he wants to report it. Have a story idea, send it his way. Email him at milesblumhardt@coloradoan.com or find him on Twitter at @MilesBlumhardt. If you find value in these stories, support Miles and the other journalists at the Coloradoan by subscribing atColoradoan.com/subscribe