Larimer County Raccoon Confirmed to Have Rabies + Ways to Keep Your Pet Safe
Larimer County confirms that a raccoon has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was found in southeast Fort Collins. According to Larimer County, this is the first positive raccoon ever reported in Larimer County, and the first in a Front Range county in Colorado since 1963. The only other rabid raccoon found since then was in Cheyenne County in 2008.
How can you keep your pet safe by lowering their exposure to rabies?
Tips from Larimer County to lower your pets exposure to rabies
- Vaccinate pets as recommended by your veterinarian; make sure they are up-to-date on their shots. Animals too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors. Talk to your large animal vet about vaccinating horses and livestock.
- Leash your pets when they accompany you on a walk in your neighborhood or in parks, the foothills, or open spaces. Pets who roam freely have an increased chance of an encounter with a wild animal and could be exposed to rabies without your knowledge.
- Feed your pets indoors, and bring your pets inside at night. Do not leave pet food outdoors or leave livestock feed containers open in sheds or barns.
- Do not feed, touch or handle wild animals and be cautious of stray dogs and cats
- Teach children not to touch either live or dead wildlife (including bats) and to tell you when they have been bitten or scratched by a pet.
- Call the Larimer Humane Emergency Animal Control line at 970-226-3647, Ext. 7, if you see a potentially rabid animal or have a pet that may have been exposed. Also contact your veterinarian without delay if you suspect direct contact between your pet or livestock and a potentially rabid animal.
- Call your doctor or visit an emergency room immediately if you are bitten or scratched by an animal that seems sick or threatening.
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