A bat has tested positive for rabies in Routt County. A resident found it in their condo. The bat was tested and came back positive for rabies. If you see strange bat behavior or come into contact with a bat, report it to Routt County Public Health. That number is 970-870-5341.
Press Release from Routt County; Aug. 31, 2024.
A Bat Found in Routt County Tests Positive for Rabies
Steamboat Springs, CO, August 30, 2024 – Routt County Public Health Department wants to make residents aware of a recent Situation involving a bat that tested positive for rabies.
On Monday, August 26, a Routt County resident found a bat in their condo. This individual followed Public Health’s recommendation, safely captured the bat and delivered it to Public Health. The bat was humanely euthanized and sent to Colorado Department Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for rabies testing. On Thursday, August 29 Public Health received a positive test result for the bat.
“It is important to remember that bats play an important role in our ecosystem, and most bats do not have rabies. This is just a reminder to be aware of the risks associated with wildlife especially when they are behaving abnormally or are in your living space,” said Susan Madigan, Public Health Nurse. “Routt County has a contact, treatment and mitigation plan when a positive rabies test occurs. At this point, additional test results from other bats (positive or negative) do not change our initial actions.”
Public Health has reached out to the homeowners association (HOA) and has provided educational materials and made recommendations about how to proceed.
About rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. The virus is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, scratch, or licking. The incubation period for rabies is typically between three and six weeks, but can range from days to months for humans or animals depending on the route of exposure.
Rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease in dogs, cats, and ferrets. Colorado typically has an average of 50 positive rabies specimens per year from wild animals such as skunks and bats, which are rabies reservoir species. Other animals such as dogs, cats, cattle and horses can become infected with rabies if bitten by a rabid animal. Rabies is highly fatal disease for humans, but Colorado has not had a human case of rabies since 1931.
Bats and rabies
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the U.S., bats are the most commonly reported animal to have rabies. Bats play a vital role in our ecosystem, and they do not all carry rabies; if the bat is acting normal, and there has been no suspected exposure to humans or pets, leave it be.
It is important to be aware of possible signs of rabies in bats. These may include:
- A bat being active during the day
- A bat found in unusual places such as in a home or on the ground
- A bat that is unable to fly or is easy to approach
If you see strange bat behavior, please call animal control. Any contact with bats should be reported to Routt County Public Health by calling 970.870.5341.
For more information about what to do if you encounter a bat, how to safely capture a bat, and how to keep bats out of your home, please navigate to CDC’s Preventing Rabies from Bats webpage.
How to avoid rabies
- Avoid contact with all stray and wild animals, including bats.
- Vaccinate all cats, dogs, ferrets and valuable livestock. Including indoor animals.
- Do not allow pets to roam free.
- Teach children to leave wildlife alone.
- If bitten or scratched by a bat or wild animal, like a skunk, fox or raccoon, immediately wash any wounds with soap and water and contact your health care provider.
- If you are concerned that you or one of your animals might have been exposed to rabies, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.
Contact:
Routt County Public Health – publichealthinfo@co.routt.co.us
970.870.5341
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