Five skunks in Weld County have tested positive for rabies in recent months, the county’s health department announced Friday.

Two of the skins were found between Milliken and Platteville in the southwestern part of the county, one east of Plateville and two more in the Dancono, Frederick, Erie area, according to the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment.

Four of the five cases involved dogs and each of the skunks showed signs of aggression.

Authorities are reminding people to be wary around the animals, because all animals, including humans could contract the virus due to exposure. Possibility for exposure increases when domesticated animals are not properly vaccinated, county health officials said.

Rabies affects the nervous system of its recipient, can cause inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and is almost always fatal if not treated, county health officials said.

Symptoms of the virus include increases in saliva, drooling, nocturnal animals being seen in the daytime and slow or difficult movement. Additionally aggressive behavior is considered a symptom.

To prevent exposure to the virus, county health officials have several tips:

• Do not feed, touch, or handle wild animals and be cautious of stray cats and dogs.
• Have dogs, cats, horses and livestock vaccinated regularly by a licensed veterinarian.
• Be cautious if wild animals suddenly appear friendly or are walking or behaving erratically.
• If you pet is in a fight with a wild animal, care should be taken in handling your pet until it is given a bath, or any blood or saliva is washed off. Human rabies exposure may occur from the saliva left on your pet from the wild animal.

Weld County health officials have created an interactive map to show residents and visitors where each case has been recorded. Click here to view the map.