Weld County skunk tests positive for rabies, first since 2023

Published on August 08, 2025

A skunk found on a residential property east of Eaton in Weld County, on August 5, 2025, has tested positive for rabies. This is the first skunk to test positive for rabies in Colorado since 2023. The skunk was observed displaying abnormal behavior in close proximity to livestock prompting the property owner to contact animal control and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE). The skunk was submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment laboratory for testing, and WCDPHE received positive results on Tuesday, August 6, 2025.

Rabies is a viral disease that is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms begin. It is spread to people and pets through bites and scratches of an infected animal. Rabies can infect many wildlife species including, foxes, skunks, raccoons, coyotes, and bats. In Colorado, bats and skunks are the most common carriers. Signs that a skunk may have rabies include unusual behavior like being active during the day, acting aggressively, or showing poor coordination.

Health officials urge pet owners to have all domestic animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and livestock vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Unvaccinated pets that come in contact with a rabid animal are required to either be euthanized or placed on a strict quarantine for 120 days at the owner’s expense.

In recent years, several dozen people in Weld County have required rabies preventative treatment after contact with wild animals. If someone thinks they’ve been exposed, they should contact a doctor immediately. Effective treatment is available to prevent rabies; however, it must be initiated before symptoms begin. There have been no human deaths from rabies in Weld County.

To prevent exposure to rabies:

• Do not feed, touch, or handle any wild animals.
• Have dogs, cats, horses, and livestock vaccinated regularly by a licensed veterinarian.
• Keep a close eye on any new puppy or kitten while it is outdoors until it has received the rabies vaccine and for 28 days after.
• Spay or neuter pets to reduce the number of unwanted or stray animals in the neighborhood.

Contact WCDPHE at (970) 400-2290 for questions or if anyone or their pet has had contact with a wild animal. For after-hours emergencies (outside of 8 a.m. to  5 p.m., Monday to Friday), contact Weld County Dispatch at (970) 350-9600 and select option 1. For more information on rabies, visit www.weld.gov/go/zoonosis.