-Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment
WELD COUNTY, Colorado — A skunk found on a residential property in Platteville on April 28, 2021 has tested positive for rabies. An altercation between two dogs and the skunk resulted in a veterinary visit and consultation with the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment. The skunk was submitted to the Colorado State University laboratory for testing, and a positive result was received on April 30, 2021.
Public health officials are asking that if you or someone you know touched, or handled the skunk, or if any pet had physical contact with the skunk, to contact the Weld County Health Department at (970) 400-2290. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal if left untreated. Rabies can infect any wild animal, including foxes, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, and bats. Bats and skunks are the two main sources of rabies in Colorado. It is important to note that not all skunks have rabies. If a skunk is acting strangely, however, such as lying on the ground, out during daylight hours, exhibiting loss of motor skills, or acting aggressively, it may be sick.