Second Rabid Bat Found at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Escondido, CA — For the second time in a month, a bat found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park has tested positive for rabies.

In the latest incident reported Tuesday by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, the bat was found alive Sunday afternoon near the Oasis Deli in Nairobi Village — the same high-traffic area where a bat was found June 11 that later also tested positive for rabies.

Trained park staff collected the bat Sunday without directly touching it and no human or animal contact has been reported, according to Tom Christensen, communications specialist for the County of San Diego.

The bat, which was not one of the park’s collection animals, was then delivered to the County on Monday, where it tested positive for rabies.

County health officials urged anyone who directly handled the bat Sunday at the park, or thinks someone in their family or group may have, to call the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency as soon as possible at 619-692-8499.

Rabies transmission can occur from a bat bite or if a bat’s saliva comes in contact with a cut or abrasion, or with mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth, Christensen said.

Those who did not have direct contact with the bat, such as touching or holding the animal, are not at risk for rabies, he said.

“There has been no reported human or animal contact with this bat, but it was found in an area where many park visitors pass by, and we want to be sure that no one had contact with it,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Human rabies is usually fatal without prompt post-exposure vaccine and treatment.”

There have been three rabid bats found in San Diego County so far this year — two at the Safari Park.

“People should always stay away from bats and other wild animals to prevent possible exposure to rabies,” Wooten said. “If you see a bat, dead or alive, don’t touch it. Contact the County as soon as possible at 619-692-8499.”

Rabies in humans can be prevented by avoiding contact with wild, stray and unknown domestic animals, ensuring pets are up-to-date on rabies vaccinations, and receiving prompt medical advice following animal bites and other significant exposures to potentially rabid animals, officials sayd.

If direct contact with a bat does occur, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and get medical advice immediately.

(Photo/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters via Wikimedia Commons)