Another Rabid Bat Found In Jefferson County

EVERGREEN, CO – Another rabid bat has been found in Jefferson County, this time in Evergreen, the Jefferson County Department of Public Health reported.

The bat was found near Alderfer/Three Sisters Park, and was submitted for testing. The positive test results were reported July 11. Bats and skunks are the most common animals in Colorado to carry rabies, which is fatal to humans and pets if not quickly treated.

Both bats and skunks are nocturnal animals, and any sighting of them during daylight hours or in unusual places such as inside or on a lawn, indicates a risk that the animal may have rabies, the JeffCo Health Department said. (Bats that are unable to fly should be reported immediately to animal control).

Pets that have contact with rabid animals or are bitten by them run the risk of contracting the disease.

The state has seen an uptick in rabies cases this year, with more than 160 skunks found positive for rabies in Colorado in 2018.

Here are some more recommendations from the JeffCo Department of Public Health to prevent rabies:

• Pet owners should be sure their pets have current immunizations for rabies and keep their pets from roaming free. Vaccination is essential to protecting pets and preventing further spread of the disease.
• Vaccination is important for indoor pets as well, because rabid bats can get inside homes.
• Residents are urged not to handle wild animals.
• Wash any wound from an animal thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
• Have all dead, sick or captured bats/skunks tested for rabies if exposure to people or pets is suspected.
• Keep wild animals from entering homes, churches, schools and other similar areas where they might contact people and pets. Seal up holes that might allow bats into your living quarters. Any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch should be caulked. Use window screens, chimney caps and draft-guards beneath doors to attics; fill electrical and plumbing holes with stainless steel wool or caulking; and ensure that all doors to the outside close tightly.

Related: Rabid Bat Found In Lakewood: JeffCo Health Dept.

Related: Rabies Warning For Colo. Pet And Livestock Owners

Related: Rare, Infectious Tick Disease Found In JeffCo Rabbit

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