A rabies-infected bat was discovered this week in the area around Bell Cow Lake, within the Chandler city limits in Lincoln County, according to officials with the Oklahoma State Department of Health. This is the second rabies-positive bat found in the area in the past six weeks, officials said.“Oklahoma is seeing more cases of rabies in the state this year than previous years,” State Public Health Veterinarian LeMac’ Morris said. “With more sightings of skunks and bats, this is the perfect time to remind pet owners about the importance of vaccinating family pets, and even livestock.”Rabies is an acute viral infection that is transmitted to humans or other mammals usually through the saliva from a bite of an infected animal, health officials said. Rabies can also be contracted when saliva from a rabid animal comes in contact with breaks in the skin or if a person came in contact with brain tissue.According to health officials, skunks and bats are the primary carriers of rabies in Oklahoma. Exposure to rabies should always be considered if a human or pet comes in contact with a skunk or bat.Rabies infected animals can appear very aggressive or may act very tame. They may also exhibit the classic sign of foaming at the mouth or drooling, but not always, officials said. Any wildlife that is acting abnormally should be reported and avoided. Animals can also transmit rabies days before showing symptoms.Both of the infected bats in Lincoln County were found outdoors, on the ground, displaying aggressive, erratic behavior, according to the health department. Residents who find a disabled or dead bat in their home or camp are urged to have it tested for rabies. Anyone who suspects their pet or any animal has been exposed to a rabid animal is urged to immediately contact their local veterinarian or animal control facility.Rabies vaccines are available for dogs, cats, ferrets, sheep, cattle, and horses, officials said. Oklahoma requires a veterinarian to vaccinate dogs, cats and ferrets against rabies by the time the animal is 4 months of age, and at regular intervals thereafter.For an evaluation of rabies risk, or guidance on a suspected rabies case, contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Acute Disease Service at 405-271-4060.
LINCOLN COUNTY, Okla. —
A rabies-infected bat was discovered this week in the area around Bell Cow Lake, within the Chandler city limits in Lincoln County, according to officials with the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
This is the second rabies-positive bat found in the area in the past six weeks, officials said.
“Oklahoma is seeing more cases of rabies in the state this year than previous years,” State Public Health Veterinarian LeMac’ Morris said. “With more sightings of skunks and bats, this is the perfect time to remind pet owners about the importance of vaccinating family pets, and even livestock.”
Rabies is an acute viral infection that is transmitted to humans or other mammals usually through the saliva from a bite of an infected animal, health officials said. Rabies can also be contracted when saliva from a rabid animal comes in contact with breaks in the skin or if a person came in contact with brain tissue.
According to health officials, skunks and bats are the primary carriers of rabies in Oklahoma. Exposure to rabies should always be considered if a human or pet comes in contact with a skunk or bat.
Rabies infected animals can appear very aggressive or may act very tame. They may also exhibit the classic sign of foaming at the mouth or drooling, but not always, officials said. Any wildlife that is acting abnormally should be reported and avoided. Animals can also transmit rabies days before showing symptoms.
Both of the infected bats in Lincoln County were found outdoors, on the ground, displaying aggressive, erratic behavior, according to the health department.
Residents who find a disabled or dead bat in their home or camp are urged to have it tested for rabies. Anyone who suspects their pet or any animal has been exposed to a rabid animal is urged to immediately contact their local veterinarian or animal control facility.
Rabies vaccines are available for dogs, cats, ferrets, sheep, cattle, and horses, officials said. Oklahoma requires a veterinarian to vaccinate dogs, cats and ferrets against rabies by the time the animal is 4 months of age, and at regular intervals thereafter.
For an evaluation of rabies risk, or guidance on a suspected rabies case, contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Acute Disease Service at 405-271-4060.