Small Town News

Health department warns of rabid bats

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The Southeastern District Health Department confirmed that a bat tested positive for rabies within Pocatello city limits.

This was the eighth bat to test positive for rabies in Idaho this year, and the first to test positive in southeastern Idaho this year.

In 2009, one bat tested positive for rabies in Bannock County. In 2008, one tested positive in Bingham County.

Rabies can be a fatal viral illness that can be introduced by scratches or bites from infected animals. A rabies treatment is available if caught early.

To protect people or pets people should:

Never touch bats.

Be very suspicious of bat activity during daylight hours.

If a person or child wakes up in the presence of a bat, discuss the situation with a medical provider. Seemingly insignificant exposures may have contributed to several fatal cases of rabies in the past.

Those who have an encounter with a bat should seek medical attention immediately. Save the bat in a container and contact the local district health department immediately for testing options. NEVER handle a bat with bare hands -- use gloves, a towel, etc.

Bat proof homes or cabins by checking chimneys, roof peaks, loose screening on louvers, dormer windows or areas where flashing has pulled away from the roof or siding. Bats can enter through holes the size of a quarter. Typically bat-proofing is best after bats have migrated away in the fall.

Always vaccinate pets, including cats, dogs, horses and ferrets. Pets may encounter bats in the outdoors or in the home. If a dog or cat brings a dead bat home, collect it in a plastic bag without touching it and call the district health department for possible testing. Also, contact the veterinarian to make sure the animal's rabies vaccinations are up-to-date.



Copyright 2010 The News-Examiner, Montpelier, Idaho. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 The News-Examiner Montpelier, Idaho. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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