08/31/2026
For Immediate Release: August 28, 2026
Rabid Animal Found In Alamosa County
A bat has tested positive for rabies in Alamosa County. A rabid animal is a mammal infected with rabies, a deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. The Alamosa County Public Health Department urges residents to stay away from stray and wild animals, check pets’ vaccination status, and take other precautions, as listed below, to avoid rabies.
Rabies is regularly found in Colorado wildlife, especially skunks. Interactions between humans and wild animals, particularly skunks, bats, foxes, and raccoons, increases the risk of rabies exposure to pets and people. If you see wildlife that is acting unusual, call the Colorado Parks and Wildlife at (719) 587-6900 immediately.
It is also important to make sure all dogs and cats are vaccinated. The vaccine can prevent companion animals from getting rabies from wildlife and possibly exposing your whole family to the disease.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, 43 animals have been found carrying rabies in the state so far this year as of August 26, 2026. These animals were tested after witnessed having abnormal behaviors or had encounters with people, pets or livestock. There are many more rabid animals in Colorado that never get tested.
Rabies is spread primarily through the bite of rabid animals and without immediate medical attention, it is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms appear. People who have been bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar animal should contact their health care provider immediately to reduce the risk of rabies. Providers should report animal bites to their local Public Health agency and Public Health will reach out for further investigation.
To avoid rabies
● Never touch or feed wild or stray animals. Don’t leave pet food outdoors. If you notice a sick or orphaned animal, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Contact your local animal control if you encounter a lost or stray dog or cat.
● Vaccinate your pets. Use a licensed veterinarian, and make sure you keep up with their booster shots.
● Leash your dog. Protect dogs and wildlife by keeping your pet on a leash while walking or hiking.
● Keep cats and other pets inside at night. Keep dogs within your sight (in a fenced yard or on a leash) during the day while outside.
● Call your veterinarian promptly if you believe your pet has been exposed to a wild animal.
● Vaccinate pastured animals annually. Have a licensed veterinarian administer an approved large-animal rabies vaccine.
● Bat-proof your home. Information is available at www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/management.
● If you find a bat around your home, stay away from the animal and contact your local health department.
To recognize sick wildlife
● Many healthy wild animals are normally afraid of humans; sick animals often do not run away when spotted by people.
● Wildlife with rabies often will act aggressively or will violently approach people or pets.
● Some rabid animals are overly quiet and passive and want to hide. Don’t bother them.
● Rabid wildlife might have trouble walking, flying, eating or drinking.
Some common misconceptions about rabies:
Myth: Rabies only spreads through a bite. Fact: Scratches, open wounds, or mucous membranes touching infected saliva can transmit the virus. Rabies is not transmitted by salivating contact with intact skin or by contaminated objects.
Myth: All rabid animals act vicious and foam at the mouth. Fact: Many infected animals act very quiet, tired, confused, or strangely friendly.
Here is also a link for Frequently Asked Questions: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/animal-related-diseases/rabies/colorado-rabies-faq
