A Rabies warning has been issued by Shasta County Public Health Officials after the discovery of at least three rabid bats. Most bats don’t carry Rabies, but it’s important to avoid direct contact with bats and other wild mammals. If a bat bites a person or a pet, it’s good to get the bat tested. If it’s not moving, it can usually be captured by wearing heavy gloves and using a box or bucket. A bat should not be handled with bare hands. Testing is the only way to know if Rabies is present, but risk is higher if unusual behavior is observed, such as flying during the day or being found on the ground. Symptoms such as foaming at the mouth usually don’t occur until the later stages of the disease, if at all. Possible Rabies cases should be reported to Animal Regulation.
-Steve Gibson