Livingston County — Following the discovery of a rabid bat at the Howell mansion, Livingston County health officials are urging people to make bats safer.
“The Livingston County Health Department (LCHD) is telling residents that bats are more active at this time of year, which means they are more likely to be exposed to rabies,” an LCHD official said in a release.
Officials say the bat taken from the Howell home is the first case of animal rabies found in the county since 2021.
As of Aug. 17, 19 bats, nine skunks and one cat have tested positive for rabies in the state this year, state health officials said.
“Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. Rabies can be spread to humans and pets through bites and scratches by infected animals,” said an LCHD official. “Bats are the most common way people in Michigan and the United States come into contact with rabies.”
Health officials have warned humans and livestock to avoid contact with bats.
“Direct contact with bats should be considered a potential exposure to rabies. For example, a sleeping person, a child, or someone who is mentally ill or intoxicated,” the LCHD official said.
What to do if you are bitten or come in contact with a bat
If you have been exposed to a bat, you should report it to LCHD as soon as possible by calling 517-552-6882 or completing the online reporting form below. bit.ly/3E5Kjk9
State law requires that animal bites be reported to public health agencies in the area where the bite occurred and where the bite occurred within 24 hours of the incident.
“If anyone may have been exposed to a bat, do not release it. Safely capture the bat for rabies testing and contact LCHD immediately,” the official said in a release. Emphasized and further emphasized. “If the bat cannot be tested, treatment to prevent rabies is recommended. If the bat is tested and does not have rabies, no treatment is required.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seeking help from animal control agencies, wildlife conservation agencies, or public health agencies.
CDC also provides tips on how to safely trap bats found in your home if assistance is not available.
- Find a container, such as a box or can, large enough to hold the bat, and a piece of cardboard large enough to cover the opening of the container. Punch a small air hole in the cardboard.
- Wear leather work gloves. Once the bat lands, slowly approach it and place the container on it. Slide cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside.
- Tape the cardboard to the container to secure the bat inside. Contact your local health department to get tested for bat rabies.
An LCHD official said, “It’s also important to protect pets from rabies.” “Dogs, cats and ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies by a veterinarian. Please consult your veterinarian about
For more information on rabies prevention, please visit: Government of Michigan/Rabies.
— Please contact Jennifer Eberbach at jeberbach@livingstondaily.com.
