COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Officials with the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency say they seen an increase in calls and requests for rabies testing of bats that have been found in homes.
Bats are considered an important part of a healthy ecosystem and are a natural predator of mosquitoes.
Any wild or un-vaccinated domestic animal has the potential to carry the rabies virus. You can protect yourself and your pets by never approaching or touching wild animals, especially bats, skunks, and raccoon, or stray animals.
You should not feed wild animals. If you store food, pet food, or garbage outside, keep it in a sturdy container with a tight-fitting lid.
Install a chimney cap to keep animals out of your home and seal openings around your home.
If you know you were bitten or scratched by a bat, a wild animal, unknown dog, or unknown cat, you should immediately wash the wound well with soap and water. Secure the animal, if you can, taking care to prevent additional bites.
Contact your local health department or animal control agency to report the bite and decide what should be done about the animal. If an animal must be killed, do not damage the head. Rabies testing is done on the brain.
Do not delay seeking medical advice. Contact your family doctor or visit the nearest emergency room. Rabies can be prevented with prompt treatment.
More information about rabies and a map of rabies positive animals in Michigan can be found at Michigan.gov/rabies.
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