LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A rabid bat was discovered in a residential area of Oldham County.
The Oldham County Health Department (OCHD) said in a release that the bat was dead when it was found in La Grange off Main Street. It tested positive for the rabies virus. So far, the one bat tested positive. Another three bats located in the same area sent in for testing came back negative.
Records show this is the first confirmed rabid bat found in Oldham County in 10 years, and the Director of Public Health, Matt Rhodes, says they monitor the bat population regularly.
"I mean bats are known carriers for rabies so it is expected, and for that reason we do surveillance testing every year in Kentucky," said Rhodes.
Rhodes says there is no imminent risk to Oldham County residents. OCHD is taking all precautions to keep residents and their pets protected.
The health department is asking Oldham County residents to keep pets away from all dead or sick bats and to make sure the pets are up to date on all rabies vaccinations.
"Because we did identify it this year, we just want to remind people that rabies is a very serious issue, and they need to protect themselves," said Rhodes.
According to the CDC, rabies is a virus that infects wildlife — especially bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. It can spread to people and pets when they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. Without treatment, rabies almost always causes death. But rabies is 100% preventable, if it is treated before symptoms start with a rabies vaccine and medications to fight infection.
Healthy bats do not usually interact with humans or pets, and the health department warns the public not to try to interact with a bat acting abnormally.
"If you see a bat out during the day or you see a bat on the ground and acting unusual, because you typically don't have human interactions with bats when they're healthy," said Rhodes. "If you see one you want to make sure you take precaution."
Rhodes doesn't want to make people fearful, he wants everyone to be aware.
"Since we haven't had a case even in a bat in 10 years, we just wanted to be mindful to let individuals know that this is a potential issue for humans and for their animals." said Rhodes.
If you see a dead or sick bat in your area of Oldham County, call OCHD immediately at 502-222-3516.
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