May 21, 2024
First rabid bat in El Paso County in 2024
El Paso County, CO – A bat found at Grant Elementary School was confirmed to have rabies, making it the first animal to test positive for the disease in El Paso County this year.
On Tuesday, May 14, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) was notified of the bat, which was found on the ground. The bat was promptly sent for testing, then confirmed positive for rabies late Friday, May 17.
There are currently no known exposures between the bat and any students or staff; EPCPH continues to work with school administration to conduct an investigation. “Bats naturally live in our region and can be found anywhere in and around our county,” said Dr. Bernadette Albanese, co-medical director of El Paso County Public Health. “During the summer months, we typically see more cases of rabies among wildlife, including bats. With the warmer days and folks spending more time outdoors, it’s possible for people or pets to encounter a bat. Remember a few simple steps to prevent being exposed to rabies: do not interact or touch any wild animal, teach children not to interact with wild animals, and make sure pets are on a leash.”
Rabies is a virus that generally infects wild mammals, such as bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, but it can also infect people and pets. The disease is spread most often by a bite from a rabid animal. Rabies affects the brain, causing brain swelling and damage, and is fatal once symptoms appear.
How to recognize sick wildlife:
- Healthy wild animals are normally afraid of humans. Sick animals may not run away when spotted by people.
- Wildlife suffering from rabies will often act aggressively and violently approach people or pets.
- However, sometimes rabid animals are overly quiet and passive and want to hide. If they are hiding, leave them alone. Rabid wildlife might also stumble or have trouble walking.
- Sick or diseased wildlife should be reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at (719) 227-5200.
Take these precautions to prevent rabies:
- Do not touch or feed any wild animals. Wild animals like skunks and foxes adapt to residential environments if food is available – please don’t leave pet food outdoors.
- If you, a family member, or a pet is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, call your doctor and notify EPCPH at (719) 578-3220 or (719) 235-2278 after hours. You can also report an animal bite from a domestic or wild animal on the EPCPH website.
- Seal houses to prevent bats and other animals from nesting, and if already present, use a professional animal removal service. More information is available on the CDC’s website.
- If you encounter a lost or stray dog or cat, contact the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region at (719) 473-1741.
Rabies prevention for pets
- Vaccinate your pets against rabies. Rabies shots need to be boosted, so check your pet’s records or talk to your veterinarian.
- When walking or hiking with your dog, protect them and wildlife by keeping your dog on a leash.
- Keep cats and other pets inside at night to reduce the risk of exposure to wildlife. Keep dogs within your sight (in a fenced yard, or on leash) during the day while outside.
- Contact your veterinarian promptly if you believe your pet has been exposed to a wild animal.
Reports of rabies in El Paso County, Colorado
- 2023: 2 (bats)
- 2022: 4 (bats)
- 2021: 7 (3 bats, 3 skunks, 1 cat)
- 2020: 10 (5 bats, 4 skunks, 1 sheep)
- 2019: 16 (9 skunks, 5 bats, 1 fox, 1 dog)
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