As spring fervor hits Denver, the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) and Denver Animal Protection (DAP) officers are urging locals to resist interactions with wild animals to prevent the spread of rabies. According to the City and County of Denver, the DDPHE has emphasized the potential danger posed by animals such as skunks, raccoons, and bats, which can carry the virus.
Rabies is notably dangerous, being almost uniformly lethal if not treated promptly before symptoms manifest. The virus is primarily transmitted through bites and necessitates quick medical attention. In an unfortunate situation where someone gets bitten, DDPHE’s regulations require the animal involved to be euthanized and tested for rabies. "Rabies is more than just an animal issue—it's a serious public health threat that can be deadly to both people and pets," said Animal Protection Lt. Josh Rolfe, as per the City and County of Denver.
With cases of individuals bitten by wildlife already reported this year, the importance to thoroughly avoid interacting with these animals cannot be overstressed. And it's not all about avoiding bites; there's a need to understand that not all young animals found alone are in distress. Often, wildlife parents leave their offspring temporarily to seek food, and a well-intentioned interference by humans can inadvertently, do more harm.
In situations where residents encounter sick or injured animals, DAP advises not to approach but instead to promptly call their hotline or the Denver Police non-emergency number. DAP, along with other local environmental health agencies, stands ready to appropriately assess and address wildlife health situations. Furthermore, pet owners are reminded to "keep pets up to date with required rabies vaccination and never touch a wild animal," says Lt. Josh Rolfe, as reported by City and County of Denver.
