[Photo: File]FRESNO,CA (KMJ) – A bat found in Madera County has tested positive for rabies.
It’s the second confirmed case of animal rabies this year in Madera County.
The infected bat was found this month, in Oakhurst.
“The rabies virus is a fairly rare and often fatal disease affecting the brain.” said Sara Bosse, Madera County Department of Public Health Director. “Mammals, including humans, are susceptible.”
The Department of Public Health says never touch wild animals, dead or alive, because they can transmit the disease, discourage wild animals near your home by keeping garbage in closed, secure containers and collection any uneaten pet food.
Make sure your cats and dogs are current in their rabies vaccinations.
Unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animals should be euthanized immediately.
[Photo: File]
Rabies signs include abnormal animal behaviors such as
• Wild animals seeming unusually tame or unafraid of approaching people.
• Nocturnal animals such as skunks, foxes, or bats that are active during the day.
• Pets having difficulty walking, eating, or drinking, or whose personalities change.
• Normally docile animals acting in an agitated or aggressive manner.
• Bats that are unable to fly or have been caught by a domestic dog or cat.
The rabies virus is typically detected in skunks and bats, less often in animals like coyotes, foxes and raccoons, with domestic animals being infrequently diagnosed. The rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of a rapid animal that bites another animal or human, or when contagious saliva infects a break in the skin or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose). If you are bitten by a wild animal, promptly wash the wound with soap and water. Immediately consult with your health care provider or Madera County Department of Public Health to determine if the wound requires further attention and whether preventive rabies treatment is required.
For more information about rabies:
Visit the California Department of Public Health Rabies Page at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Rabies.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Rabies Page at https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/
Madera County Department of Public Health at (559) 675-7893.
For information on animal rabies vaccinations, call Madera County Animal Services at (559) 675-7891 or visit https://www.maderacounty.com/government/animal-services
