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Ram diagnosed with rabies in El Paso County, Colo.

Colorado Department of Agriculture

BROOMFIELD, Colo. — The Colorado Department of Agriculture has confirmed that a 3-month-old ram in El Paso County with neurologic signs tested positive for rabies at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment laboratory.

This is the third case of rabies in domestic livestock in Colorado in 2020; a bull in Pueblo County and a goat in Yuma County were diagnosed with rabies earlier this year.

Rabies can spread from wild animals such as skunks, bats, raccoons and foxes to other mammals, including domestic pets and livestock. Rabies is a deadly disease and vaccination is the single best method to protect pets and livestock. One of the greatest risks of exposure to rabies virus for people is through contact with rabid domestic pets or livestock.



The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment provides statewide rabies surveillance data. Please visit their website for current rabies case information.

Rabies is a viral disease in mammals that infects the brain. Rabies symptoms typically fall into two types: “aggressive” and “dumb.” Animals with aggressive rabies are combative and have unusually aggressive behavior such as excessive biting. There is also a “dumb” form of the disease in which the animal is lethargic, weak in one or more limbs, and unable to raise its head or make sounds because its throat and neck muscles are paralyzed. However, there have been cases of rabid animals that are not acting obviously abnormal, so suspicion of rabies should not be limited to animals showing classic symptoms.



Rabies is spread primarily by saliva through the bite of a rabid animal. Once symptoms of rabies infection appear, there is no cure and the infection is fatal. People who have been exposed to rabies can receive medication treatment to prevent illness. For pets and livestock, routine rabies vaccination is the best way to protect animals from infection. Animal vaccination regimens vary, so livestock and pet owners are urged to discuss the vaccines with their local veterinarian. Pet vaccination is also required in many jurisdictions for licensure.

All species of livestock are susceptible to rabies; cattle and horses are the most frequently reported infected livestock species. All horses should be considered for vaccination against rabies. Rabies is considered one of the core equine vaccinations in the AAEP guidelines. Livestock that have frequent contact with humans (e.g. in petting zoos, fairs, and other public exhibitions) should be considered for vaccination against rabies, including species for which licensed vaccines are not available (extra-label use). Consideration should also be given to vaccinating livestock that are particularly valuable.

In addition to ensuring that pets and livestock are vaccinated properly against rabies, the following preventative steps are also recommended:

• Be aware of skunks out during the day. This is abnormal behavior and these animals should be avoided.

• Be aware of areas that can be suitable habitat for skunks such as dark holes, under buildings, and under equipment.

• Do not feed wild animals or allow your pets around them. Even baby raccoons and skunks can be rabid and transmit the virus. Be sure to teach children to stay away from wild animals. Avoid leaving pet food outside as that may attract a wild animal.

• Contact your veterinarian right away, if any of your animals are bitten or scratched by any wild animal, particularly skunks, bats, foxes or raccoons.

• If your animals exhibit any neurologic or dramatic behavioral changes, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Isolate and avoid contact with these animals if possible.

• If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, contact your physician and local health department right away.

• If you must remove a dead skunk on your property, wear rubber gloves or lift the carcass with a shovel or other tool, and double-bag it for the trash. Do not directly touch the skunk with bare hands. ❖


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