ADHS
News Release:
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| Release: |
Rabid Bat Found in
Slide Rock State Park, North of Sedona |
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| Release
Date: |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
August 17, 2006 |
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| Contact: |
Michael Murphy, ADHS Public Information: (602) 542-1094
Ellen Bilbrey, Arizona State Parks Public Information: (602)
228-8518 |
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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 Monday, August 14, a bat was found by a visitor of Slide Rock State Park next
to Oak Creek, near the area where the public enjoys the water. It was found at
10 a.m. by the footbridge and restrooms, a high traffic area of the park, said
Dr. Elisabeth Lawaczeck, State Public Health Veterinarian.
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 14, 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 2006, 85 animals have tested positive for rabies in Arizona, including
50 bats, 16 foxes, 14 skunks, two bobcats, one coyote, one mountain lion, and
one pet cat. There have been eleven human exposures to confirmed 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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