2008 Year in Review

Rabid Bat Found in Sterling

A live bat found in the backyard of a Sterling residence tested positive for rabies.

"It was lying in someone’s backyard, still alive,” said Beth Fiorini, executive director, Whiteside County Community Health Clinic.

The resident captured the bat and brought it to Whiteside County Animal Control, which sent the bat to be tested for rabies at a state lab in Galesburg. The lab reported late Wednesday that the bat was rabid.

“No one was bitten by this bat,” Fiorini said.

This is the second consecutive year a rabid bat has been found in Whiteside County. Three were found in 2007. There have been 15 rabid bats found in Illinois as of June 10, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Now is a good time for pet owners to get their dog or cat vaccinations up-to-date if they are not already.

“People need to keep their animal’s rabies shots up-to-date. Dogs rabies shots are required by state law,” Fiorini said.

Whiteside County statutes require dogs to be vaccinated for rabies. Fines of $200 will be issued to the owner of any dog found by Whiteside Animal Control without its rabies shots up-to-date, she said.

“If a domestic animal is exposed to a rabid bat, and the rabies shots are up-to-date, the animal will be quarantined for 30 days,” Fiorini said. If the dog does not have its rabies vaccinations up-to-date, it may be euthanized, she said.

People usually know when a bat has bitten them, but there are instances when a bite may not be apparent. Bats have very small teeth and marks made by these teeth may not be easy to see.

If you are bitten by a bat, or believe you have been exposed to a bat, you must keep the bat for testing of rabies. Do not damage the bat, as the animal’s brain must be preserved and tested in order to determine if the bat has rabies.

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately and notify your local health department or animal control office immediately.

In Whiteside County, call the Whiteside County Health Department Animal Control at (815) 625-3507 or the Whiteside County Health Department at (815) 626-2230.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
June 13, 2008