A rabid bat recently bit a dog owned by a Stayton-area resident, fostering a warning to area residents to take precautions.
The dog, who had a current rabies vaccine, was bitten by the bat on June 12. Testing by Oregon State University confirmed the bat was positive for rabies, resulting in Marion County Public Health’s recommendation that the dog be quarantined for 45 days and given another rabies vaccine.
According to the Oregon Health Authority, bats are the most common carriers of rabies in the state, with 8 to 10 percent testing positive for the viral disease every year. OHA reports that so far this year three bats have tested positive for rabies in Oregon.
The discovery of a rabid bat has local veterinarians advising owners to make sure their pets are up to date on their rabies vaccine. Animals and their owners can get rabies from bites or open wounds contaminated with infected saliva.
Public health officials warn people to protect their family and pets by not handling bats or other wild animals, especially those that appear sick or injured. Take extreme precautions before attempting to handle a bat by wearing heavy gloves and using a shovel if it is necessary to move it.
Do not approach bats that exhibit odd behavior, such as flopping around on the ground. Isolate the bat and cover it with a pail, coffee can or other container and place a heavy object on top of the can. If contact betwene the bat and a person or pet occurs, call the local health authority for assistance. If no contact occurs you can release the bat outdoors, preferably at night and away from populated areas.
If a bat gets in the house, turn on the room lights and close the windows. Close the room and closet doors. Wait for the bat to land. Wearing gloves, place a container over the bat. Slide a piece of cardboard under the container to trap the bat and firmly holding the cardboard in place, turn the container right side up and tape the cardboard tightly.
If you find a sick bat or other sick wildlife on your property, take children and pets indoors. If you have been bitten or scratched by a bat, immediately clean the wound and seek medical attention.
If you have captured a bat, do not crush it or throw it away as intact bats can be tested for rabies. Keep the bat in a cool place and report the incident to Marion County Environmental Health at 503-588-5346.
If your pet has encountered a bat or been bitten by a wild animal, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife at 866-968-2600.
