It's also recommended that outdoor and indoor pets be vaccinated for rabies.
PUTNAM COUNTY, OH (WLIO)Â - The Putnam County Health Department says that a bat has tested positive for rabies within the county.
The bat was tested after a resident of Union Township reported an incident with their dog. This is the first bat to test positive for rabies since 2006. The Putnam County health commissioner says that residents should be mindful of bats while outside and monitor pets for any signs of illness.
The bat was tested after a resident of Union Township reported an incident with their dog.
If your pet has come into contact with a potentially infected bat, health officials say to collect the bat without directly making contact and get in touch with the health department for further instructions.
It's also recommended that outdoor and indoor pets be vaccinated for rabies.
If your pet has come into contact with a potentially infected bat, health officials say to collect the bat without directly making contact and get in touch with the health department for further instructions.
July 18, 2024, Press Release from the Putnam County Health Department:
The Putnam County Health Department has received confirmation from the Ohio Department of Health that a bat from our county has tested positive for rabies. A resident from Union Township brought a bat to the health department for testing after an incident with their dog. This is the first rabid bat to test positive in Putnam County since 2006. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals and can be transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal.
According to Health Commissioner Kim Rieman, "Bats provide many benefits such as pollination and pest control, but are also a known source of rabies." Rieman added, "Residents should not fear spending time outside, but exercise caution around bats due to the risk of rabies." Pets should be kept nearby and monitored for any signs of illness.
Humans and pets can be exposed to rabies when they are bitten or scratched by an infected bat. In the case of a known exposure, or if one is found in a residence and it is unknown if there was exposure, it should be carefully collected while avoiding direct contact with the bat. The health department should then be contacted to determine if the bat should be tested. It is important to contact your primary care physician if you are concerned about exposure to an infected animal.
Rabies is almost always fatal to pets. It is strongly recommended to vaccinate all outdoor and indoor dogs, cats, and ferrets over four months of age. Vaccination protects pets and their families by providing a barrier against the spread of disease.
