The Arizona Department of Health Services is attempting to determine whether anyone had contact with a rabid bat while visiting the Boyce Thompson Arboretum last weekend.
On Sunday, Nov. 2, a bat was found by Arboretum staff off to the side of the main trail under a Palo Verde tree. “It’s unclear how long the bat was there, but since it is near a main thoroughfare of traffic we have to take every precaution and determine if someone came into contact with it,” said Craig Levy, manager of the Department’s Vector-Borne Disease Section.
The Arboretum is located along U.S. highway 60 approximately five miles west of Superior.
The bat was submitted to the Arizona State Health Laboratory, where it tested positive for rabies.
It is unknown whether anyone touched the bat. However, it is very important to identify any persons who may have handled the sick bat in order to determine if they should receive preventive therapy. Visitors to the park who may have come into contact with it should notify the Arizona Department of Health Services at (602) 364-4562.
So far in 2003, 67 animals have tested positive for rabies in Arizona, including 41 bats, 14 foxes, seven skunks, four bobcats and one coyote. Of the 28 human exposures to rabid animals since the beginning of the year, 23 have been to bats. Last year the state recorded its highest number of cases of animal rabies at 143.
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system and is always fatal once symptoms appear. The virus can be transmitted to people or animals through bites from infected animals or exposure to infected saliva through open wounds or mucous membranes.
Individuals who are exposed to a rabid animal must promptly receive rabies vaccines and anti-rabies serum to prevent the disease.
In Arizona, rabies most commonly occurs in bats, skunks and foxes, but any mammal can contract the disease. Rabid animals may show unusual behavior or appear unstable. Rabid carnivores, such as skunks, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, dogs and cats, may become aggressive and may attempt to bite people, pets and livestock. Wild animals exhibiting unusual behavior should be reported to local animal control officials.
Examples of unusual behavior include: wild animals that show no fear of people and pets; nocturnal animals that are active in daylight; and bats found on the ground, in swimming pools or that have been caught by a pet.
The Department recommends the following precautions:
- Keep people and pets away from wild animals. Do not pick up, touch, or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, especially sick or wounded ones. If someone has been bitten or scratched, or has had contact with the animal, report it immediately to animal control or health officials.
- Do not “rescue” seemingly abandoned young wild animals. Usually, the mother will return. If the mother is dead or has not returned in many hours, call the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
- Vaccinate all dogs and cats against rabies. Pets should be kept in a fenced yard.
- Take precautions when camping, hunting or fishing. Avoid sleeping on the open ground without the protection of a closed tent or camper. Keep pets on a leash and do not allow them to wander.
- Do not disturb roosting bats. If you find a bat on the ground, don’t touch it. Report the bat and its location to your local animal control officer or health department. Place a box over the bat to contain it. Be careful not to damage the bat in any way since it must be intact for rabies testing.
For more information about rabies, call your local health department or the Arizona Department of Health Services’ Vector-Borne Section at (602) 364-4562.
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