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2012 Rabid Bat Cases
Vaccinate your pets!
5.15.12.
Seven
rabid bats have been found so far this year.
Five pets had potential exposure to the bats.
Circumstances of rabid bats found in
2012
1. Santa Clarita. January. Live bat
found on floor in barn.
Three cats in barn potentially exposed. The cats were
not fully vaccinated, so must be observed for symptoms
rabies for six months.
2. Los Angeles. March. Live bat found
in a backyard. Two dogs out in yard potentially exposed. The dogs were
up-to-date on their vaccinations and will be observed
for symptoms of rabies for one month.
3. Westlake Village. April. Dead
bat found clutching side of wall at a private home.
4. Whittier. April. Live bat found on ground.
5. Palmdale. April. Dead bat found
in flowerbed.
6. Palmdale. May. Dead bat found
on grass.
7. Van Nuys. May. Live bat found
on sidewalk.
Last year, in 2011, 38 rabid
bats were found. This was the largest number of
rabid bats detected in a single year since LA County
began testing bats for rabies in the early 1960s. In
most years, 8-10 rabid bats are discovered. The reason
for the increase was unknown. Click
here to see the 2011 map.
BATS AND RABIES
Bats are the animals that most commonly carry rabies in
our county. Most bats do not have rabies, and try to
avoid contact with people and pets. Bats are good for
the environment because they eat insects and pollinate
plants. Bats are also protected by law.
Bats seen flying in daylight, or found on the ground,
are more likely to have rabies. Never touch a bat or
other wild animal. If you pick up a bat with your bare
hands, you may be bitten and exposed to rabies.
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