Rabid Bat Found In Boulder County

BOULDER COUNTY, CO — A bat that was found in Boulder County has tested positive for rabies, public health officials said.

The bat was found May 9 near Nelson and Airport roads, according to Boulder County Public Health.

"Public health officials conducted a risk assessment and, fortunately all of the pets who may have come into contact with the bat had previous rabies vaccinations and regular veterinary exams," the agency said in a notice.

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system. The disease is always fatal unless it is treated before any symptoms appear, health officials said.

“Bats are starting to migrate, and when they’re on the move, that means more contact with people and pets,” said Carol McInnes, Boulder County Public Health environmental health specialist.

"As temperatures get warmer, everyone will be spending more time outdoors, so keep an eye on your pets and make sure their vaccinations are up to date. If there’s any chance that you, your child or your pet has come in contact with a bat, contact us as soon as possible by calling 303-441-1564.”

Exposure to rabies is generally the result of a bite or scratch by an infected animal, and it is sometimes practically undetectable, such as a tiny puncture of the skin by a bat, health officials said. Treatment for rabies exposure involves a series of vaccinations.

Public health officials recommend that the following precautions be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to rabies:

• Do not handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly. Contact animal control to collect the animal.
• Thoroughly wash any wound caused by an animal with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
• Keep vaccinations current for all dogs, cats and ferrets. Keep cats and ferrets inside and dogs under direct supervision.
• Contact your local public health department or animal control if people or pets have been bitten or exposed to a bat.
• Contact your local animal control officer to collect the bat for rabies testing.

Bats are the most common animal source of rabies in Colorado. On average, around 15 percent of bats submitted for rabies testing test positive for the disease, health officials said. Over the past few years, skunks have been a significant source of rabies throughout eastern Colorado and the now the Front Range, health officials said. Other wild animals that may carry rabies include raccoons and foxes.

Residents who find a bat that may have come in contact with a person, pet or livestock should call their local animal control office. For questions about human contact with a bat, call the Colorado Health Information Line at 1-877-462-2911.

>> General information about rabies in Boulder County can be found here.