There have been more confirmed cases of rabies in Colorado in the first half of 2018 than there were in all of 2017. This increase underscores the need to be aware of the virus and how your employees can be exposed to it.

For landscape companies, it’s important to be aware of reported cases and know whether employees are at risk for exposure. Rabid skunks have been found in suburban neighborhoods where landscape crews may be at work. The greatest number of cases have been reported in Denver, El Paso, and Larimer counties.

Skunks can carry more than scent
A large majority of the 241 rabies-positive animals were skunks—188 skinks between January 1 and July 19 of this year. Bats came in second with 43 lab-confirmed animals, and a few cases of rabies were confirmed in raccoons, cats, dogs, and even an alpaca. In 2017, there were 165 total confirmed cases of rabies in animals.

A person can be infected with rabies if bitten or scratched by an animal. Be sure your crew knows to avoid wildlife and not feed, touch, or move an animal. Skunks may take shelter around homes and suburban landscapes, especially if there is a food source like pet food or garbage available.

They might be cute, but don’t touch
Twenty-one people in Weld County were exposed to rabies when someone brought home a baby raccoon with the intention of finding a place to rehabilitate it. If you find an animal that you think is in danger—an abandoned baby raccoon, or a bat on the ground—do not touch it. Contact local animal control or public health department to help.

Report animal bites
People who have been bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal should contact their healthcare provider and their local public health department immediately.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
Improve your online marketing in just 15 minutes a day
How Kimberly Jewell took on the Colorado legislature
Safety measures can reduce work site fire danger
Surge in rabbit population could be a health risk