July 1, 2025
As temperatures rise and outdoor activity increases, the chances of people and pets encountering a wild animal increase, and with that, the concern for rabies. El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) reminds the public to take precautions to protect both pets and people from rabies.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system, causing brain swelling and damage, and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. Rabies spreads primarily through the bite of rabid animals, via infected saliva. Rabies can also be spread when saliva from an infected animal gets into open wounds, cuts or enters through membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.
“With the right precautions, rabies is preventable,” EPCPH Communicable Disease Division Manager Haley Zachary said. “With warmer days ahead of us, we typically see more cases of rabies in wildlife. This is a great time to make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. It’s especially important to keep your pets on leashes while exploring all the trails our community has to offer. While wildlife is beautiful, it should always be enjoyed from afar.”
It is important for people bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal to contact their doctor immediately. Preventive vaccination is available for people known or suspected to have been exposed by a rabid animal. In addition, anyone who locates a bat within their home, should also immediately consult with EPCPH on next steps by calling 719-578-3220.
Take these precautions to prevent rabies:
- Vaccinate your pets against rabies by using a licensed veterinarian. Rabies shots must be boosted, so check your pet’s records or talk to your veterinarian.
- Keep your dog on a leash when walking or hiking to protect them and wildlife.
- Keep cats and other pets inside at night to reduce the risk of exposure to other domestic animals and wildlife. Keep dogs within your sight (in a fenced yard, or on leash) during the day while outside.
- Contact your veterinarian promptly if you believe your pet has been exposed to a wild animal.
- Do not touch or feed wild animals. Wild animals such as skunks and foxes adapt to residential environments if food is available. Please do not leave pet food outdoors.
- If people or pets are bitten or scratched by an aggressive, wild, or unknown animal, call your doctor/veterinarian immediately and report the incident to EPCPH at elpasocountyhealth.org/infectious-diseases-public-health-response/infectious-diseases-2/report-animal-bite/.
- Bat bites can be difficult to detect. If you find a bat in your house and are unsure how long it has been there, do not release the bat. Contact EPCPH at 719-578-3220.
- If you encounter a lost or stray dog or cat, contact the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region for options at 719-473-1741.
Read more tips on rabies prevention at elpasocountyhealth.org/rabies.
Contact: Erin Thompson, Communications and Public Relations Specialist
(719) 663-4033
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