BLCKFOOT – A rabid bat was found in Bingham County recently and a Southeast Idaho Public Health (SIPH) spokesperson is warning people to be vigilant and keep an eye out for the fury little critters. There have been five bats that have tested positive for rabies in Southeast Idaho and eight in the whole state.

While most bats don’t carry rabies, rabies is a virtually 100 percent fatal viral illness in humans and other animals.

“It is extremely important for people to avoid all bats and other wild animals, particularly if they appear sick or are acting aggressively or abnormally ,” said Jeff Doerr, SIPH Epidemiologist. “I strongly encourage owners to contact their veterinarian if they believe their pets, regardless of vaccination status, were in contact with a bat.”

Bats have a natural reservoir of the rabies virus in Idaho and should always be avoided. An average of 15 rabid bats are detected in the whole state of Idaho each year. There is no area of Idaho that is rabies-free.

The most common ways people may encounter a bat is when a pet brings one into the home or a bat enters a home through a small opening or open windows and doors. If anyone finds a bat in their room and may not be sure whether they were bitten or scratched while they slept they should contact their public health office.

Bats should be tested for rabies if there is any chance a person, pet, or livestock might have been in contact with it. There is no need to test a bat that has had no interaction with people, pets, or livestock.

SIPH recommends people protect themselves, their pets and public using the following guidelines:

For further information about rabies contact Southeastern Idaho Public Health’s Epidemiologists, at 208-478-6303, or visit SIPH’s website at www.siphidaho.org or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/rabies/ .

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