WILSON, N.Y. — A rabid bat sighting was confirmed today by the Niagara County Department of Health (NCDOH), found in the Town of Wilson at Wilson-Burt Road.
The bat was initially found outside on Sunday without harming any pets.
Possible human exposure and any necessary treatment for rabies will be assessed by the Niagara County Nursing Division.
According to the NCDOH, it is possible that a rabid animal can spread the virus by direct contact before symptoms are visibly apparent. Only a laboratory sample can confirm that an animal has rabies.
Bats and other wildlife — including raccoons, skunks, and foxes — are all common carriers of the rabies virus.
If you find a bat in your home, do not injure, release or discard it. Immediately contact the NCDOH-Environmental Health Division at 716-439-7444. For more information on steps to take, visit the link here.
Bat rabies remains a growing concern in Niagara County. The NCDOH shares these tips to prevent exposure to the virus:
- Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or feral cats
- Be sure your dogs and cats are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. By law all cats, dogs, and ferrets must have current rabies vaccinations from four months of age and on.
- Keep family pets indoors at night. Do not leave them outside unattended or let them roam free.
- Keep your property free of stored birdseed or other foods that may attract wild animals.
- Encourage children to immediately tell adults if they are bitten by any animals. Tell children not to touch any animals they do not know.
- If a wild animal is on your property, let it wander away. You may contact a nuisance wildlife control officer who will remove the animal for a fee; or if there is danger, you can call your local law enforcement agency.
- If your pet has been in a fight with another animal, wear gloves to handle it. Isolate it from other animals and people for several hours. Call your veterinarian. Vaccinated pets will need a booster dose of rabies vaccine within five days of the exposure. Unvaccinated animals exposed to a known or suspected rabid animal must be confined for six months or humanely euthanized.
Free rabies vaccination clinics are offered in Niagara County. Those dates can be found on the county's website.