A rabies warning has been issued by Shasta County Public Health officials after the discovery of two 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 it tested. It can be captured by wearing heavy gloves and using a box or bucket. 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