Maryland’s Rabid Bat Numbers Take Off

BALTIMORE, MD — Despite their creepy appearance, bats are good for the environment, eating insects like mosquitoes that bug us, and pollinating plants. But bats are a common carrier of rabies, a disease spread by saliva that can be fatal for animals and humans if not treated.

For the second consecutive year, the number of rabid bats in Maryland has increased, according to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. So far, there have been 100 confirmed rabid bats in the state in 2016. About 900 Marylanders are treated annually after they are exposed to potentially rabid animals.

Rabies is usually found in raccoons, skunks, foxes, cats, bats and groundhogs. Dogs, ferrets and farm animals can also get rabies if they are not vaccinated.

To prevent exposure to rabies:

• Have your dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, sheep and cattle vaccinated against rabies.
• Keep your pet under your control at all times, especially when traveling.
• View wildlife from a distance and do not feed or attempt to rescue wildlife.
• Avoid sick animals and any that are acting in an unusual manner.
• Cover garbage cans securely and do not leave pet food outside.
• Do not “rescue” or relocate wildlife.
• If you or your pet has been bitten or otherwise exposed to a rabid pet, get the owner’s name, address and telephone number. Contact your local health department or animal control agency immediately.

While a small proportion of bats have rabies, state health officials say most human cases of rabies are caused by exposure to rabid bats. If you find a bat in your home, do not touch it. Only let it go if you are sure no people or household pets have had any contact with it.

The bat should be captured safely and tested for rabies if it's possible a person or pet was bitten. Close the door to the room with the bat in it and call a local animal control agency or a private wildlife cooperator for help.

If someone must catch the bat themselves, they should:

1. Close doors and windows.
2. Find a small container like a box or a large can, and a piece of cardboard large enough to cover the opening of the container. Punch small air holes in the cardboard.
3. Put on leather work gloves.
4. Wait for the bat to land, then approach it slowly and place the container over it. Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside.
5. Tape the cardboard to the container, securing the bat inside, and contact the city or county health department to have the bat tested for rabies.

Residents who encounter sick, injured or nuisance wildlife should be sure to avoid contact with the animal and to report it by calling 1-877-463-6497 for assistance; for after-hours wildlife emergencies, call 1-800-628-9944.

»Rabid bat photo from the CDC