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What should be done if a bat is found indoors?
If the bat is found in any scenarios indicating reasonable probability of exposure,
as listed above, it should be captured and tested for rabies. To avoid losing
the bat, leave one person in the room watching it with doors and windows closed,
while another person goes to get a coffee can, lid, gloves, or similar equipment
to capture it. Your county health authority may also be contacted for advice
on how to capture the bat and submit it for rabies testing. If it is certain
the bat did not have contact with a person or pet, the bat can be allowed to
leave through an open window. Do not exit the room until you observe the bat
leaving through the window. Close the window when the bat leaves.
What can be done to protect a pet from rabies?
All cats, dogs and ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies starting at three
months of age and again one year later. After that they should be placed on a
one or three year schedule, depending on the vaccine used, for regular booster
shots.
Why is pet vaccination important?
Pet vaccination is important because vaccinated pets act as a barrier between
wild animals and people to keep the rabies virus from spreading.
What should be done if a vaccinated pet fights with another
animal?
Any time your pet fights with a wild animal, or another pet, contact your county
health authority for advice on what to do. Even though your pet has been vaccinated,
a booster dose of rabies vaccine may be needed within five days of the incident.
If your pet fought with a known or suspect-rabid animal this will keep your pet
from getting rabies as a result of the current incident.
What can be done to prevent the spread of rabies?
Exposure to rabies may be minimized by:
- Removing all stray dogs and cats
- Having all pets vaccinated and keeping them up-to-date on their vaccinations
- Rvoiding contact with all wild animals, especially those acting abnormally.
To control the spread of rabies in wild animals such as raccoons, the New
York State Department of Health oversees projects to distribute a special
bait containing rabies vaccine. Baits are placed in wooded areas in order
to immunize raccoons against rabies - an effort to reduce the spread of
rabies in the wildlife population.
For more information, contact your county health authority at: 270-2655
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