Puppy at Sheridan adoption event tests positive for rabies

Editor’s note: An initial press release for this incident stated the event was held in a different municipality. The error has been corrected.

DENVER (KDVR) — A puppy that was at an adoption event in Sheridan last month tested positive for rabies, and now health officials are asking attendees to take action.

The rabies-positive puppy came to Colorado from Texas and was at a July 20 puppy adoption event at Moms and Mutts Colorado, a rescue for pregnant and nursing dogs in Sheridan.

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The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is now trying to connect with those who attended the event, encouraging them to contact the health department. CDPHE said the department must screen attendees.

“Anyone who attended the event and interacted with the July Shepherd Mix litter (may also be referred to as ‘The Celebrity Kids’ litter) of puppies should contact public health officials to determine if they need to receive prophylaxis,” CDPHE said in a release on Friday.

Attendees can call the hotline at 303-692-2700 during business hours or 303-370-9395 after hours or email [email protected].

The puppy was one of 11 in the litter. None of the puppies were vaccinated at the time of exposure, there are no licensed products for post-exposure prophylaxis of unvaccinated domestic animals and evidence shows that a vaccine will not prevent the disease in these animals, CDPHE said.

“In these situations, the exposed animals should be euthanized immediately or placed on a strict 120-day quarantine in a facility that can secure them away from humans and other animals. Because strict quarantine is not feasible, the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians’ guidance recommends euthanasia of exposed, unvaccinated animals,” the release stated.

Animals must be euthanized in order to test for the rabies virus as it primarily attacks the brain, and specimens must be submitted to a rabies laboratory for testing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDPHE said public health officials are trying to contact people who are fostering the puppies about surrendering them to animal control.

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The department conducted a risk assessment and is recommending post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes a series of rabies shots for humans, for 17 people who came in close contact with the puppy, including foster families, veterinary staff and shelter staff. CDPHE said it will continue to screen those who attended the event and offer post-exposure prophylaxis as needed.

As for other animals, CDPHE said vaccinated animals are generally not at risk but may need a booster.

The health department is working with local public health agencies to continue identifying other possible contacts.

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