Rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The vast majority of rabies cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year occur in wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Domestic animals account for less than 10% of the reported rabies cases, with cats, cattle, and dogs most often reported rabid. 

In Colorado, the primary reservoir for rabies is the bat. Instances of rabies among other wild and domestic animals are rare. Rodents and lagomorphs (hamsters, guinea pigs, squirrels, rabbits, and hares) have never been positive for rabies in Colorado and are rarely positive anywhere in the country. The last reported cases of rabies occurred in Colorado in the following animals: dog (2003 - imported from Texas), cat (1985), raccoon (1963), fox (2005), skunk (2008 - see skunk suveillance protocol), and human (1931). The last case of dog rabies acquired in Colorado occurred in 1974.

Rabies virus infects the central nervous system, causing encephalopathy and ultimately death. Symptoms of rabies in humans are initially nonspecific, consisting of fever, headache, and general malaise. As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms appear and may include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Death usually occurs within days of the onset of symptoms.

There is no treatment for rabies after symptoms of the disease appear. However, an extremely effective rabies vaccine can provide immunity to rabies when administered after an exposure (postexposure prophylaxis) or for protection before an exposure occurs (preexposure prophylaxis). 

If you are bitten by an animal, please contact your medical provider or local health department to determine the potential for rabies exposure, the need for treatment, and to decide whether or not to test the animal for rabies.

General Information

• Information about Rabies

• Rabies Control - Colorado Revised Statutes  

• Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control, 2008

Human Rabies Prevention, 2008 - Recommendations of the ACIP

Exposure Policies and Procedures for Colorado

Skunk Surveillance Protocol  (updated)

• Determining the Need for Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Following a Dog or Cat Bite in Colorado (updated)

• Domestic Dogs, Cats and Ferrets Involved in Human Bites

  • Algorithm for Managing Cat, Dog, and Ferret Bites in Colorado

• Management of Domestic Pets Exposed to Wildlife  (updated)

  • Algorithm for Rabies Management of Domestic Pets Exposed to Wildlife  

• Procedures for the Submission of Laboratory Specimens  

• Hybrid-Wolf Bite Management Algorithm  

• Recommendations For Hybrid Wolves Regarding Vaccination, Bite Follow-Up and Exposure to Rabies   (updated)

Statistics and Surveillance

Colorado Rabies Summaries  - 2004 2003 2000 1999 1996 1995

• Year to Date, Data Table of Rabid Animals by County and Species

• Map of Rabies Animal Surveillance

• Map of Colorado Skunk Rabies, 2007 - 2009

• Five-year bat rabies summary  2002-2006  2001-2005 1996-2000 1991-1995

• Rabies Positive Animal Specimens in Colorado by County, 1999-2008

• Rabies Positive Animal Specimens in Colorado by County, 1987-1996

National Rabies Data - Centers for Disease Control

• United States Rabies Surveillance Data - Centers for Disease Control

Other Related Sites

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Rabies Home Page

• Colorado State University - Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories

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