Rabid bat found in foothills, prompts warning

JEFFERSON COUNTY –  A bat found near Tiny Town tested positive for rabies, the Jefferson County Department of Public Health announced Thursday, but officials said they are not aware of any contact the infected bat had with humans.

The bat was found at 6249 S. Turkey Creek Road at Tiny Town, and residents of the area are advised to be alert for unusual bat activity and to msake sure their pets have been vaccinated for the disease.

Dr. Jim Dale, JCPH Director of Environmental Health Services also urged residents to   keep their pets from roaming free.

“Vaccination is essential to protecting pets and preventing further spread of the disease,” Dale said. Unvaccinated dogs and cats that have been exposed to rabies must be vaccinated, then held in strict quarantine for six months. Rabies can be fatal

disease if left untreated.

In addition to keeping pets’ rabies vaccinations current, health officials also warn residents not to handle bats and to beware of any bats they see during the day. Bats that are active during the day or are spotted in places where they usually are not seen – indoors or on the lawn – or any bat that is unable to fly should be considered possibly rabid and reported to the appropriate animal control agency.

A dead bat that has not bitten or otherwise exposed people or pets can be disposed of safely by using a shovel to place the bat in a plastic bag. The bag should be

double knotted and disposed of in a secure outdoor trash container.

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People and their pets can contract rabies if bitten by an infected animal. Any wild mammal – such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, squirrels or bats – can have rabies and transmit it to people or pets. It is also possible, although rare, for rabies to spread when infectious material, such as saliva from a rabid animal, gets into an

Anther animal’s eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound., according to the county health agency.

If bitten by a bat, dog, cat, raccoon or other mammal, wash the affected area

thoroughly and seek medical advice immediately. Also, contact local animal control officers and tell them where the animal might be so it can be captured, quarantined and tested for rabies.

For more information on animal borne disease and prevention please call Jefferson County Public Health Zoonosis Program at 303-271-5730 or 303-271-5700 or visit JCPH at http://health.jeffco.us.