HASTINGS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A bat found in Barry County has tested positive for rabies.
The Barry-Eaton District Health Department says the bat was found in northern Barry County and is the first rabies-positive bat in the county this year.
Rabies is deadly, but preventable. It can spread to people and pets through an infected animal’s bites or scratches but bats are the most common way people come in contact with rabies.
The health department says people and domestic animals should avoid contact with bats. Rabies can spread to people from bats after minor, seemingly unimportant, or unrecognized bites or scratches. Any direct contact with a bat should be considered as a possible exposure to rabies.
Other possible exposures include finding a bat in the same room as a person who may not be aware that contact has occurred, such as a sleeping person, a child, or someone who is mentally disabled or intoxicated.
The best defense is making sure dogs, cats, and ferrets stay up to date on their rabies vaccinations through a licensed veterinarian and limiting their contact with wildlife when they’re outdoors.
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