Bat tests positive for rabies in Lakewood

DENVER (KDVR) — A bat in Lakewood tested positive for rabies, Jefferson County Public Health announced Friday.

The rabid bat was found near the Kendrick Lake neighborhood.

This is the first animal case of rabies found in Jefferson County this year, but it was not the first in the metro area. In late May, a rabid bat was found in Englewood near Quincy Avenue and Sante Fe Drive.

Bat tests positive for rabies, first case in Arapahoe County

Last year, there were eight known cases of rabies in animals in Jefferson County, including five skunks and three bats. That is significantly lower than some previous years — in 2018, Jefferson County reported 26 cases of rabies in animals, including 18 skunks and eight bats.

What risks do rabid animals present to the community?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rabies is caused by a virus that can be deadly for people and animals if medical care is not received before the onset of symptoms.

Rabies can be transmitted to people and animals, including livestock and pets, through the saliva of rabid animals. The CDC said it is primarily spread to humans and pets through dog bites or scratches from an infected animal.

“It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones — furry friends included — against rabies,” Jefferson County Public Health said in a release.

What to do if you contact wild or stray animals

The county emphasized that anyone who comes in direct contact with a wild or stray animal should contact their health care provider and local animal control agency immediately to make sure they can get the necessary preventative treatment if needed.

“One of the most important things we can do to prevent the spread of disease is to not touch and keep distance from wildlife. If you’ve been bitten by a stray or wild animal, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Contact your health care provider or local animal control right away.” said Rachel Reichardt, an environmental health specialist with Jefferson County Public Health.

The real reason to ‘keep wildlife wild and leave wildlife alone’

Here are some steps Jefferson County Public Health recommends taking to stay safe from rabies:

• Keep pets and livestock up to date on rabies vaccines.

• Avoid contact with any wild animals, especially those that are showing unusual behaviors.

• Teach children to stay away from all wild animals, stray pets or dead animals, and to tell an adult if they are scratched or bitten.

• Keep pets close so that you can keep an eye on them while they are outside.

• If someone has been in contact with a wild animal or was bitten by stray pet, seek medical attention immediately and notify your local animal control agency.

Additionally, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends these tips:

• 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 (or local animal shelter) vaccinate your pets and livestock against rabies. 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 or health department.

• Call your doctor right away if an animal bites you. Contact your local health department to report the incident.

If you are concerned about an animal, Jefferson County recommends contacting your local animal control agency. You can contact Jefferson County Animal Control at 303-271-5070 and you can contact Jefferson County Public Heath at 303-232-6301.

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