For immediate release: August 5, 2004 (04-090)

Contacts:
Kate Lynch, Communications Office 360-236-4072
Deanna Whitman, Communications Office 360-236-4022

Hands off bats! Avoid rabies risk by not handling bats and other wild animals
Be sure that rabies vaccinations for pets are up-to-date

OLYMPIA ¾ In the wake of an increase in calls reporting human and pet contacts with bats, the Washington Department of Health is reminding people that avoiding bats can protect them from rabies. Bats are not aggressive animals and they generally do not intentionally attack humans.

"Rabies exposures occur most often when people handle or bother these animals," said Dr. Mira Leslie, state public health veterinarian. "Any bat that is found on the ground, has been caught by a pet, or is found in a house might have rabies and should be avoided."

During the summer, people and animals are more likely to encounter bats both in their homes and outside. Since April, 10 bats from five Washington counties have been found to have rabies. More than 15 people were exposed to those rabid bats; all have received medical care including rabies vaccine. Dogs and cats are susceptible to rabies; pet owners should be sure that rabies vaccinations for their pets are up-to-date.

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is always fatal once symptoms appear. Individuals exposed to a rabid animal must promptly receive rabies vaccines and immune globulin to prevent the disease. The virus can be transmitted to people or animals after a bite from an infected animal or exposure of open wounds or mucous membranes to an infected animal’s saliva.

Most bats don’t have rabies. For example, those that are flying around at dusk feeding on insects are usually healthy; however, those that appear sick, injured, are seen flying during the day, are on or near the ground, or seem to behave abnormally should be avoided. Healthy bats will avoid contact with people.

Bats are an important part of our environment, and as with all wildlife, bats should be respected rather than feared. Bats are found worldwide, and can be found throughout our state in every habitat from towns and cities to parks and rural areas.

Many bats migrate in spring and fall. Bats that are infected with rabies are often found on or near the ground, and they may show unusual behavior such as daytime flight or activity. While bats are migrating, they may rest in unusual places temporarily. The best thing to do is to leave them alone and avoid any situation that could lead to contact with a bat or another wild or stray animal.

Here are some simple tips for rabies prevention.

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