Rabies detected in two Nevada bats

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – The Nevada Division of Agriculture Animal Illness Laboratory introduced it had confirmed two circumstances of rabies in bats within the state: one in Clark County, and one in Douglas County.

The NDA mentioned they normally affirm between 10 and 20 circumstances of bat rabies annually. NDA mentioned bats are the commonest supply of transmission to people and home animals.

The NDA urges protecting pets vaccinated towards rabies to stop transmission.

“Animals carrying rabies can solely be confirmed by way of laboratory testing,” NDA State Veterinarian Dr. Amy Mitchell mentioned. “It is vital for all animal homeowners to be proactive and work with their veterinarians to maintain animals updated on vaccinations, to guard each the animals and their homeowners. Even when animals are indoor-only pets, they need to nonetheless be vaccinated because it’s doable for bats to enter and exit residences unnoticed.”

In Nevada, present rabies vaccination is required by regulation for canines, cats and ferrets. Animal homeowners are requested to work with their veterinarian for vaccination info.

For those who come into contact with a bat, lifeless or alive, it ought to be reported to your native animal management company. NDA mentioned it is very important report the contact earlier than choosing up a bat. If somebody is requested to choose up a bat for testing, they need to rigorously comply with directions supplied by the NDA or animal management company, together with carrying heavy gloves to keep away from potential bites.

Extra details about rabies and the right steps to soak up the case of a doable publicity on the Middle for Illness Management and Prevention web site at cdc.gov/rabies, or by way of the Southern Nevada Well being District.

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