Rabid bat found inside Fountain Valley home

EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- El Paso County Public Health is urging residents to be mindful of bats after a rabid one was found inside a Fountain Valley home.

According to the EPCPH, this was the bat to test positive for rabies in El Paso County in 2022.

Now, health officials say residents need to keep pets up to date on rabies vaccination and to avoid any wild animals.

“Rabies tends to be more common in the spring and summer months,” said Dr. Urbina, medical director of El Paso County Public Health in a press release. “It’s important to know that there are several easy steps people can take to protect themselves and their pets from rabies. One of the best preventive actions you can take is to make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies.” 

Below are recommended precautions to prevent rabies:

• Vaccinate pets against rabies through a veterinarian. Rabies shots need to be boosted, so check your pet’s records or talk to your veterinarian. 
• When walking or hiking with your dog, protect them and wildlife by keeping your dog on a leash. 
• Keep cats and other pets inside at night to reduce the risk of exposure to other domestic animals and wildlife. Keep pets within your sight (in a fenced yard, or on leash) during the day while outside. 
• What to do if you or your pet have been exposed to a scratch or bite from a wild animal: 
  • If you believe your pet has been exposed, contact your veterinarian and El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) immediately. 
  • If you or a family member has been exposed, contact your doctor and EPCPH immediately. 
  • You can report exposures through EPCPH’s bite report portal. You can also reach EPCPH at (719) 578-3220, or (719) 235-2278 after hours. 
• Bat bites can be difficult to detect because they may not leave a mark. If you find a bat in your house and are unsure how long it has been there, do not release, discard, or kill the bat. Contact EPCPH at (719) 578-3220. This is so that EPCPH can test the animal for rabies and make recommendations on treatment if needed. 
• Seal houses to prevent bats and other animals from nesting, and if already present, use a professional removal service.  
  • Contact an animal-control or wildlife conservation agency for assistance with “bat-proofing” your home. Information is also available here.
• Do not touch or feed wild animals. Wild animals like skunks and foxes adapt to residential environments if food is available – please don’t leave pet food outdoors. 

If you encounter a lost or stray dog or cat, contact the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region at 719-473-1742.