Rabid bat found in Longmont

A bat found in Longmont on May 9 near the intersection of Nelson Road and Airport Road has tested positive for rabies, according to Boulder County Public Health.

When a resident discovered the dead bat on their property, they contacted the city of Longmont, which then submitted the animal to Boulder County Public Health for rabies testing, a news release states.

Public health officials conducted a risk assessment and, fortunately, all of the pets who may have come into contact with the bat had previous rabies vaccinations and regular veterinary exams, the news release states.

“Bats are starting to migrate, and when they’re on the move, that means more contact with people and pets,” said Carol McInnes, Boulder County Public Health Environmental Health Specialist, in the news release. “As temperatures get warmer, everyone will be spending more time outdoors, so keep an eye on your pets and make sure their vaccinations are up to date.”

“If there is any chance that you, your child or your pet has come in contact with a bat, contact us as soon as possible by calling 303-441-1564,” McInnes said.

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal unless it is treated before any symptoms appear. Exposure to rabies is generally the result of a bite or scratch by an infected animal, and it is sometimes practically undetectable, such as a tiny puncture of the skin by a bat. Treatment for rabies exposure involves a series of vaccinations.

Public health officials recommend that the following precautions be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to rabies:

• DO NOT handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. Contact animal control to collect the animal.
• Thoroughly wash any wound caused by an animal with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
• Keep vaccinations current for all dogs, cats and ferrets. Keep cats and ferrets inside and dogs under direct supervision.

• Contact your local public health department or animal control if people or pets have been bitten or exposed to a bat.
• Attempt to contain the bat and then contact your local animal control officer to assist with capturing the bat and delivering it for testing.

Bats are the most common animal source of rabies in Colorado. On average, about 15 percent of bats submitted for rabies testing test positive for the disease. Other wild animals that may carry rabies include skunks, raccoons and foxes.

Residents who find a bat should call their local animal control office.

For questions about human contact with a bat, call the Colorado Health Information Line at 1-877-462-2911.

For general information about rabies, visit www.BoulderCountyVector.org.