Earlier this month, staff of the Pinal County Division of Public Health responded to an incident involving a rabid bat that was found in the Casa Grande area. Eleven people, including several children, have required preventative treatment with rabies vaccine and anti-rabies serum after exposure to the Pinal County rabid bat. Within the last two weeks, there have been at least three additional bat exposure incidents in Graham, Mohave and Yavapai counties.

“Most of these exposures involved people picking-up and playing with bats,” said Craig Levy, manager of the Department’s Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Disease Section. “Bats seem to be the most common source of exposure as people may find a grounded bat in their yard, at a park, or on a hiking trail. People, especially kids, have a natural curiosity to get closer to animals, especially one that seems injured, but it’s the last thing they should do. More often than not, these animals are in these locations because they have gotten sick and disoriented, and may be rabid.”

Bats that are found on the ground or that have been caught by a pet cat or dog should be considered potentially rabid until proven otherwise by laboratory tests. Children should be instructed to not touch or handle bats.

Last year the state recorded its highest number of cases of animal rabies at 143, as compared to 129 cases in 2001. So far this year, 40 animals have tested positive, including 16 bats, 13 foxes, six skunks, four bobcats, and one coyote.

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.

Health officials recommend the following to protect you and your pets from rabies:

• Do not disturb roosting bats. If you find a bat on the ground, don’t touch it. If the bat is found in an urban area, report the bat and its location to your local animal control office or health department.
• When enjoying outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping, avoid wild animals, especially those that are behaving abnormally. Such behavior from the animal might include: showing no fear; unusual vocalizing; staggering and/or acting sickly; and nocturnal animals that are active during the daytime.
• Do not pick up, touch or feed wild or unfamiliar animals. If someone has been bitten or scratched, or has had contact with the animal, report it immediately to animal control or health officials.
• Campers should keep pets under control and maintain a clean camp to discourage visits from unwanted wildlife. Do not leave uneaten food out when you retire for the evening.
• Always contain and place trash in a location inaccessible to wildlife. Pet food should not be left out overnight.
• Keep pets on a leash and do not allow them to wander.
• Vaccinate all dogs and cats against rabies. Pet owners should check the vaccination records of any previously vaccinated animals to ensure that the animals are current on their vaccinations.

People are encouraged to report suspected rabies cases to local animal control officials. For more information on rabies in Arizona, contact the Office of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases at (602) 230-5820.