by Christy Solo – Editor
A rabid bat has been found near Shady Cove.
The bat was being carried by a cat.
Please check to be sure all of your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccines.
Next:
Report Sick/Dead Bats
Report unusual behavior observed in bats, such as trouble flying, flying during the daytime, dying or sick bats (on the ground, unable to fly), or bats that have a white fungus on their face or wings.
If a person or domestic animal has been exposed to a bite, scratch or saliva from a dead or live bat, call your local public health department immediately.
Per the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife “rabies is a disease of wildlife that occasionally spills over into domestic animals. It rarely results in human exposure and the risk to human health from a rabid wild animal is low. Minimize the risk and prevent other wildlife-related problems by doing the following:
- Vaccinate your pets.
- Watch wildlife from a distance. Don’t approach or attempt to handle wild animals.
- Do not feed wild animals.
- Keep garbage in secure containers and away from wildlife.
- Feed pets indoors.
- Seal openings in attics, basements, porches, sheds, barns and screen chimneys that might provide access to bats and other wildlife.”
Be sure to report any strange wildlife behavior to ODFW at 1-866-968-2600.
