BAT TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES 

BAT TESTS POSITIVE FOR RABIES 

A bat found on the eastside of Vanderburgh County has tested positive for rabies at the Indiana State Department of Health.  

This is a reminder to residents that rabies continues to exist in the wildlife population in Vanderburgh County.  Indiana animals that may spread rabies to humans are bats, skunks, foxes, raccoons and coyotes.  

One of the first signs of rabies in an animal is a change in behavior.  A usually calm animal may become aggressive or a very active animal may seem depressed.  Rabid animals can lose their fear of humans, and nocturnal (active at night) animals might be seen during daylight hours.  For example, bats are seen during the day, on the ground, or unable to fly are displaying a change in behavior.  

As rabies is a fatal illness in humans, residents are advised not to handle or touch wild animals.  Any dead, injured or wild animal displaying a change in behavior should be reported immediately to the Evansville-Vanderburgh Animal Care & Control Shelter at 812-435-6015.  

What appears to be insignificant contact with bats may result in rabies transmission, even without clear evidence of a bite.  Rabies treatment (aka post-exposure prophylaxis) is recommended for all persons with bite, scratch, mucous membrane exposure (eyes, nose, and mouth) or reasonable probability that contact with a bat occurred.  Any person bitten or scratched by a wild animal should wash the affected area with soap and warm running water.  Report the bite, scratch or exposure to Animal Control at 812-435-6015 as soon as possible.  Go directly to the nearest emergency room to seek medical care.  

Dog, cat and ferret owners should check with their veterinarian at this time to determine if the animal has a valid rabies vaccine.  If these animals do not have a current vaccination, they should be vaccinated without delay.