EL PASO COUNTY — According to a release, the El Paso Public Health department received information on Tuesday, August 4, from a homeowner in the Elbert, Black Forest area, that one of their sheep was experiencing symptoms of rabies following an attack by pack of aggressive coyotes.
Public Health was notified on Friday that the sheep did indeed test positive for the rabies virus.
Public Health is asking citizens in the Elbert, Black Forest area to be vigilant of wild animals, especially coyotes, bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.
It is important for people bitten or scratched by a wild animal to contact their doctor and Public Health immediately.
Preventive vaccination is available for people known or suspected to have been in contact with a rabid animal.
Rabies is a virus that is transmitted by mammals and affects the brain and other parts of the central nervous system, causing brain swelling and damage, and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear.
