As of Friday, October 31, 2025, at least one rabid skunk has been identified in Akron, Colorado, through a positive test result. Please take all precautions to avoid any animal acting in a strange way, keep pets on leash or confined to avoid contact with any wildlife, and warn children not to touch any wildlife. In the event you or your child has exposure to a skunk who is behaving unusually, please seek medical attention and contact NCHD at 970-522-3741. As always, keep pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations. If you have concerns about livestock, please contact your veterinarian.

How to Avoid Rabies

  • Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals, and be cautious of stray dogs and cats. Rabid animals do not always appear vicious.
  • Teach children to leave wildlife alone. Be sure your child knows to tell you if an animal bites or scratches them.
  • Have your veterinarian vaccinate your pets and livestock against rabies and keep their vaccinations up to date.
  • Tightly close garbage cans and feed bins. Open trash and feed bags attract wild or stray animals to your home or yard.
  • Feed your pets indoors; never leave pet food outside as this attracts wildlife.
  • Keep outdoor pets in a fenced yard.
  • Avoid all contact with bats, especially bats found on the ground. If you find a bat on the ground, don’t touch it. Report the bat and its location to your local animal control officer.
  • Promptly call your doctor for advice if an animal bites you.

Contact Us

If you’d like more information, please contact our Environmental Health Manager:

Melvin Bustos
(970) 867-4918 ext. 2262
melb@nchd.org

If your pet has not been vaccinated for rabies and comes in contact with a confirmed rabid animal, the recommendation is euthanasia for your pet.

Rabies is usually 100 percent fatal once symptoms begin for animals and humans. Vaccinating your pet is your first line of defense in protecting your entire family from coming into contact with this deadly disease.

Vaccinations must be performed by a licensed veterinarian in order to be considered valid.

Don’t put your pets or your family at risk!