Adams County CoVid-19 Response and Recovery

Rabies, canine distemper cases prompt warnings from Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Archive
Posted on: April 9, 2019

DENVER - After seeing cases of rabies in skunks out of Larimer County and canine distemper from raccoons in Adams County, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds residents of the importance to get their pets vaccinated and to always avoid touching any wildlife.

In Larimer County, a large number of skunks did not head into their dens for the winter and the cases seen from those that had contact with dogs were positive for rabies. Larimer County officials have seen more than a dozen positive rabies cases this year.

Wildlife pathologists at CPW’s health lab have a raccoon carcass taken out of Brighton that was positive for the canine distemper virus (CDV). Officials advise the public to treat any raccoon in Adams County with the presumptive diagnosis of CDV until the summer when CPW will restart surveillance.

“We see these cases every year, so it is important that the public is aware of these diseases and also knows what to do,” said CPW Area Wildlife Manager Crystal Chick. “You need to protect your pets and make sure they are vaccinated. Keeping your pets on a leash and from running at large helps protects them as well as our wildlife.”  

Key points for residents on disease and animal interactions:

  • Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.
  • Keep your dogs on a leash when walking them.
  • Do not let pets interact with any wildlife.
  • Do not let wildlife frequent your backyard.
  • Avoid keeping water and food bowls outside to limit possible contamination.
  • Teach your children not to touch any wildlife.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is responsible for managing human and domestic animal health concerns for rabies virus transmission, and all cases with human or domestic animal exposure should be referred to CDPHE.

Rabies is a fatal disease of the nervous system caused by a virus and is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. After a bite occurs, the virus multiplies near the wound, enters nearby nerves and eventually travels to the spinal cord and brain.

Rabies virus is regularly found in Colorado and currently occurs as two strains of the virus: skunk rabies and bat rabies. While rabies viruses of any strain can infect any mammal, skunks and bats are the most likely species in Colorado to harbor and transmit rabies virus infections. For this reason, skunks and bats pose the highest risk to human and domestic animal health in Colorado. Aggressive vaccination immediately following exposure may prevent infection in humans (called “post‐exposure prophylaxis”).

Rabies | What to look for:

  • Aggression, no fear of humans
  • Bats or skunks out during the day
  • Disorientation, lethargy
  • Difficulty walking
  • Excessive salivation

Canine distemper is a neurological disease, and the initial signs can include lethargy, runny eyes and nose and diarrhea in the affected animal. In advanced stages, the animal may appear thin and may walk in circles or appear disoriented.

Although distemper is not transmitted to humans, dogs are susceptible to the disease if they have not been vaccinated. Because there is no treatment for the disease, prevention is the best method of control.

Dogs with distemper can also transmit the disease to raccoons, which could in turn pass it to other raccoons or pets.

If members of the public observe a wild animal with unusual symptoms, the public is to contact their local public health officials.

The Larimer County public health number is 970.498.6775. For Adams County, contact its animal management department at 303.288.1535.

Posted on: September 8, 2016

Adams County Animal Shelter/Adoption Center Events

If you're looking for a new addition to your family, come out to one of the free adoption events offered by the Adams County Animal Shelter/Adoption Center. The shelter will have dogs from the shelter available for adoption.

Thornton Harvest Fest
Saturday, Sept. 10, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Community Park
York St. and Thornton Parkway, Thornton
More information
Posted on: September 7, 2016

Community Resource and Employment Fair

Join us for the next Community Resource and Employment Fair on Thursday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m.—2 p.m. at the Waymire Dome, Adams County Regional Park (9755 Henderson Rd., Brighton). Meet with employers, apply for jobs and attend our free job workshops. Also, register for a wide variety of support programs, including: food assistance, Medicaid, housing, childcare, early childhood education, senior services, employment services, health and wellness, and more.  Additional information, including helpful documents, will be posted shortly.

South Platte River, Adams County Trail
Posted on: August 23, 2016

New Section of South Platte River Trail Opens

Adams County Parks and Open Space has opened the new segment of the South Platte River Trail. The trail became active on Wednesday, August 24, completing the trail within unincorporated Adams County. This $1.8 million project, funded by the Adams County Open Space Sales Tax and a Great Outdoors Colorado “Paths to Parks” grant award, will add approximately two miles of concrete trails along the river as well as two bridges to accommodate pedestrians between 104th Avenue and 120th Avenue.
Posted on: August 8, 2016

County Hires Oil and Gas Liaison

The Adams County Department of Community and Economic Development (CED) hired Chris Simmons to serve in the role of oil and gas liaison. In an effort to increase public outreach and provide administration of the county’s new oil and gas regulations, the Board of County Commissioners approved the addition of a full-time oil and gas liaison following a six-week moratorium on oil and gas development, which ended March 22, 2016. 
Posted on: July 11, 2016

Construction Begins on North I-25 Express Lanes from 120th Avenue to Northwest Parkway/E-470

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) broke ground this week on the latest expansion of the I-25 Express Lanes project. The $97.5 million project is an extension of the Express Lanes project completed on I-25 between US 36 and 120th Avenue, which will add one tolled express lane in each direction from 120th Avenue to Northwest Parkway/E-470. Details regarding construction and toll information can be found here.

Board of Commissioners to begin evening hearings August 2, 2016
Posted on: July 6, 2016

Commissioners Add Evening Schedule for Public Hearings

With the goal of increasing citizen engagement and participation, the Adams County Board of Commissioners is adding one evening hearing per month for the duration of 2016. The first evening hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, at the Government Center, 4430 South Adams County Parkway, Brighton.
Posted on: June 22, 2016

County Wage Growth Leads Colorado

Adams County employees are enjoying the largest wage growth numbers in Colorado. In a report published Tuesday by the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees in Adams County recorded the most impressive gains among Colorado’s largest counties at 5.1 percent. The increase in wages comes as the unemployment rate in the county dropped to 3.9 percent, down from 4.4 percent in 2015 and 6.2 percent in 2014.

 

Posted on: March 21, 2016

Commissioners Approve Amended Oil and Gas Regulatory Process

Ending a six-week moratorium on new oil and gas permit applications, the Board of County Commissioners today approved amendments to the county’s regulatory process by a 3-2 vote.

 

A vote on a separate amendment to revise the county's fee schedule to add new application fees for administrative use by special review application also passed on a 3-2 vote with the Board's direction to create a task force to provide recommendations on traffic impact fees as they relate to oil and gas production.