https://cpw.cvlcollections.org/files/original/a0a71a980adc7745c6ee0b29661507bf.pdf 4f758dcd9bd36cb5c3c089170a5a51d9 PDF Text Text Rabies • Rabies is a viral disease of mammals that infects the nervous system and is spread through the bite of a rabid animal. Species Affected in Colorado • • • Skunks Bats Less commonly, other mammalian species Skunk out during the day. Photo credit: Lance Carpenter, CPW What to Look For • • • • • Aggression, no fear of humans Bats or skunks out during the day Disorientation, lethargy Difficulty walking Excessive salivation Cause and Transmission Rabies is a fatal disease of the nervous system. Rabies is caused by a virus and is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. After a bite occurs, the virus multiplies near the bite wound, enters nearby nerves, and eventually travels to the spinal cord and brain. The distance from the bite wound to the brain often dictates how long it takes to see signs of the disease. Although bite wounds are the most effective method of transmission, rabies may also be spread through any contact with an infected animal or the saliva of that animal. In Colorado, skunks and bats are the most commonly affected species, although all mammals can be infected, including humans. There is no effective treatment for rabies, and the disease is fatal. Aggressive vaccination immediately following exposure may prevent infection in humans (called “post-exposure prophylaxis”). Public Health Concerns If you or your pet suffers a bite, scratch, or other contact from a wild animal, contact your physician immediately for advice regarding the possible need for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (see above). Contact may include finding a bat or another wild animal in your home or in the same sleeping area as you or your pet. Do not handle sick wild animals. Keep your pets updated on rabies vaccinations, and contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife if you observe wild animals with signs of rabies. Additional Information/References Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/rabies Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/ Updated 04/15/19 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Fact Sheets Type The nature or genre of the resource Fact Sheet Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource application/pdf Description An account of the resource CPW Fact Sheets Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Rabies Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Colorado Parks & Wildlife Extent The size or duration of the resource. 1 page Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 2014 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource <a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/">No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only</a>