Rabies Confirmed in Bat After Dog Exposure in San Angelo

SAN ANGELO, TX - A rabies exposure occurred after a dog came into contact with a deceased bat in the Bentwood Country Club & Estates neighborhood recently, according to the City of San Angelo. 

Subsequent testing confirmed the bat was positive for rabies. Proper medical, health, and safety protocols for those affected were enforced and followed.

To reduce risk and help prevent the spread of rabies:

• Keep your pets updated on their rabies vaccination.
• Avoid approaching or feeding wildlife such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, bats, or skunks.
• Secure garbage and pet food to avoid attracting wild animals.
• Avoid contact with bats. If one is inside your home or you come across a grounded or injured bat, contact Animal Services immediately at 325-657-4224.
• Seek medical attention immediately for any bites or scratches from a wild animal.
• Do not touch sick or injured animals.
• Report unusual animal behavior.
• If you are caring for community cats, avoid feeding during dusk and dawn to avoid attracting wildlife. Only place enough food for the cats to avoid leaving leftovers. Practice responsible trapping and vaccinations regularly.

The Department of State Health Services reminds us that bats have been increasingly implicated as wildlife reservoirs for variants of rabies virus that have been transmitted to humans.

For more information on rabies control, visit https://bit.ly/43cK4Bk