Puppy at Colorado adoption event tests positive for rabies | OutThere Colorado

A puppy at an adoption event last month in Englewood has tested positive for rabies, and state health officials are asking attendees to contact a hotline.

The puppy was at an adoption event on Saturday, July 20, at Moms and Mutts Colorado (MAMCO) Rescue for Pregnant and Nursing Dogs in Englewood. Anyone who interacted with the July Shepherd Mix litter of puppies should contact public health officials to determine if they need to receive prophylaxis, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) said in a release on Friday.

Attendees should call the hotline at 303-692-2700 during business hours or 303-370-9395 after hours or email cdphe_zoonoses@state.co.cu.

The puppy came to Colorado from Texas and was part of a litter of 11. The puppy has been euthanized, as that is the only way to test for rabies in an animal. The puppy’s littermates were unvaccinated at the time of exposure.

“In these situations, the exposed animals should be euthanized immediately or placed on a strict 120-day quarantine in a facility that can secure them away from humans and other animals. Because strict quarantine is not feasible, the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians’ guidance recommends euthanasia of exposed, unvaccinated animals,” CDPHE said in the release. Public health officials are trying to contact people fostering the puppies about surrendering them to animal control.

CDPHE is recommending post-exposure prophylaxis for 17 people who came into contact with the puppy, including foster families, veterinary staff, and shelter staff.