A bat caught in Twin Falls County tested positive for rabies this week, according to a press release from South Central Public Health District (SCPHD) Wednesday. SCPHD serves Blaine, Twin Falls, Cassia, Jerome, Minidoka, Gooding, Lincoln and Camas Counties.
SCPHD urges residents to be extra careful and avoid all contact with bats, as rabies can cause a fatal viral illness in both humans and their pets.
“Normally, bats are not dangerous, but it’s never a good idea to harass or play with any wild animal,” SCPHD Epidemiology Program Manager Tanis Maxwell said. “If you see an active bat during the day, or any other unusual behavior, it is best to avoid that animal to prevent exposure to diseases like rabies.”
According to the press release, the bat caught in Twin Falls County was the first to test positive for rabies in south central Idaho this year. No humans were reported as bitten by the bat.
Although most bats are harmless and don’t carry rabies, they are the only known animal in Idaho to naturally carry the virus. Household pets may become exposed to the virus after playing with sick bats which can no longer fly.
SCPHD recommends the following to protect from rabies:
- Do not touch a bat with your bare hands
- Be very suspicious of any bat active during daylight hours.
- If a bat attacks you, seek medical attention immediately, save the bat in a container without touching it
,and contact your district health department to arrange for rabies testing. - Always vaccinate your pets, including horses. Pets may encounter bats outdoors or in the home.
- Bat-proof your home by plugging all holes in siding and maintaining tight-fitting screens on windows. Bats can fit through holes the size of a quarter.
Angela Palermo can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @apalermooo