The Arizona Department of Health Services is attempting to determine whether anyone had contact with a rabid bat while visiting the Slide Rock State Park last weekend.
On Sunday, August 8, a bat was found by a Slide Rock State Park employee next to Oak Creek, near the area where the public enjoys the water. “It looks as if someone may have been playing with the bat,” said Dr. Elisabeth Lawaczeck, State Public Health Veterinarian.
The bat was found at noon, on the east side of Oak Creek, next to the foot bridge, in the area where visitors swim in the creek.
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. The public is not at risk for rabies from swimming in the creek or being in the vicinity.
If you, or someone you know, had any contact with a bat in Slide Rock State Park on August 8, please notify the Arizona Department of Health Services at (602) 364-3855.
“People and pets can be exposed to rabies when they attempt to assist, feed or handle wild animals. If you see a wild animal that is sick or acting strangely, report it immediately to health or wildlife officials,” advised
Lawaczeck.
So far in 2004, 54 animals have tested positive for rabies in Arizona, including 35 bats, ten foxes, five skunks, two bobcats, and two coyotes. There have been eleven human exposures to rabid animals since the beginning of the year.
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.
ADHS 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, the ADHS Vector-Borne & Zoonotic Disease Section at (602) 364-4562.
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