Rabid bat found in Pueblo neighborhood

The Pueblo City-County Health Department says the first case of rabies in an animal this year has been confirmed.

A bat that was found on the ground in the 2400 block of E. Orman Ave. has tested positive for the illness.

It’s unknown if any people came in contact with that bat. Anyone who suspects they had contact with the bat should call the Pueblo City-County Health Department at 719-583-9901.

“It is not normal to see a bat during daytime, and especially unusual to see a bat on the ground,” said Sylvia Proud, Public Health Director at the Pueblo City-County Health Department. “This is an example bats may be in all areas of Pueblo, not just old houses, barns and rural areas.”

Rabies is caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. Bat teeth are very small and sharp; a wound from a bat bite may not be visible. Rabies also can be transmitted by a scratch or if the animal’s saliva gets into a cut or break in the skin. Just seeing the bat or being in the area, without any physical contact, is not a risk.

This is the first animal to be confirmed with rabies in Pueblo County this year. Rabies has been found in wild skunks, foxes and bats throughout Pueblo County in past years. Pet and livestock owners are highly encouraged to vaccinate animals against rabies through a licensed veterinarian. “Un-or-undervaccinated dogs and cats that are exposed to rabies have an extremely high chance of getting infected and dying from the disease. These pets also pose a tremendous risk to humans because they can bring rabies into the home,” Proud said.

A Pueblo Pet Check event will be held Saturday, May 9 at the Colorado State Fair Grounds, for more information contact Pueblo Animal Services (719) 544-3005.

To avoid exposure to rabies:
• Never touch a bat or any other wild animal. A healthy bat likely will not come near enough to be touched, so a bat that is slow, lying on the ground or that falls from a tree could be showing signs of illness. If you can touch the animal, chances are it is sick. Children who find a bat should leave it where it is and tell an adult.
• Do not pick up a bat with your hands, even if you’re wearing gloves. Use a shovel and double trash bags to pick up the bat, careful not to smash or damage the head area.
• If you are bitten by a bat or if you suspect you’ve been exposed to its saliva, try to contain the bat without touching it, and contact your local animal control agency or health department so the bat can be tested.
• Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies.

For more information about where rabies has been found in Pueblo, how to prevent it, and when upcoming pet vaccination clinics will be held, go to www.pueblorabieswatch.blogspot.com .