Two bats recently found around a personal residence in Clarke County have tested positive for rabies.
The Alabama Department of Public Health is reminding Alabamians that bats can transmit rabies. Bats and raccoons are the primary reservoirs for rabies in the state of Alabama.
Rabies is a viral infection in mammals that is transmitted by bites, scratches or other contact with infected saliva. Rabies virus is present only in saliva and nervous tissue. Rabies is not transmitted through contact with guano (bat feces), blood or urine from infected bats.
Scientists estimate that only 0.5-2% of the bat population is positive for rabies.
Be particularly cautious of bats that are not able to fly or that are out during the day because these have a higher incidence of being positive for rabies.
There is no way to determine if a bat has rabies by looking at it. Laboratory testing is the only definitive method for identifying rabies-positive bats.
In 2021, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) reported 13 laboratory-confirmed rabies-positive bats.
Do no harm to the bats. While bats can and do pose a public health risk, they are still a very important species and serve an important role in nature. They consume insects and other biting pests. They are also important in their role in helping pollinate flowers.
Dr. Dee W. Jones is the State Public Health Veterinarian.
“Problems arise when bats and humans inhabit the same dwellings,” Jones said. “It is common for bats to roost in the rafters and attics of houses, schools or other buildings and occasionally some of the bats can get inside of the living quarters. The age of the building doesn’t necessarily indicate the risk of having a bat roost. We have investigated reports of roosts in newer buildings and sports stadiums on school campuses, as well as older buildings in the community.”
He said the most important step to take following a potential bat exposure is to safely collect it and preserve it for testing.
“The challenge is collecting the bat without further exposing yourself, so gloves should be worn, and a shovel, net, or other tools, can be used to avoid touching it if possible,” Jones said.
If anyone is bitten by a bat, Jones advises to not just dismiss it as one of life’s little nuisances. Rabies is a fatal disease if left untreated but is preventable if proper treatment is received soon after the bite or scratch. Anyone exposed to a bat should consult a medical provider immediately.
Pets should also be protected. Rabies vaccination for pets 12 weeks of age and older is required by state law.
The ADPH recommends that people should follow the advice of wildlife officials, licensed exterminators and contractors on how to exclude bats from a building.
Authorities warn that if people awaken and find a bat in their bedroom or in the room of an unattended child or a mentally impaired person, they should seek advice from a medical provider and report it to the county health department.
If possible, collect the bat in an escape-proof container with air holes and take it to a local veterinarian for euthanasia. Do not induce trauma by blunt force.
If a person sees a bat in their home and they are sure no human or pet exposure has occurred, confine the bat to a room by closing all doors and windows leading out of the room except those to the outside. The bat will probably leave soon.
Please refer to the ADPH website for more advice about bat infestations and exposures.
For more information about the rabies risk in Alabama contact ADPH at (334) 206-5969.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
