Idaho reports increase in rabid bats, potential human exposures

Twenty-four rabid bats have been detected through testing in Idaho so far this year, more than in each of the past three years, and public health officials are also receiving more reports of possible encounters between bats and people or pets.

Local public health districts are receiving more calls about possible bat exposures. Central District Health, for example, has received more than twice as many calls as it had at the same point last year. The reasons for these increases are uncertain. Idaho's growing population may increase the likelihood of encounters, and wildfire smoke could affect bat movement.

Public health officials are reminding Idahoans to avoid handling bats and to seek guidance promptly when a person or animal may have been exposed. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop. Although most bats do not have rabies, bats are the only mammals in Idaho that naturally maintain the rabies virus.

"Rabies is preventable with prompt medical care after an exposure," said Dr. Christine Hahn, Idaho state epidemiologist and public health medical director. "Most bats are not rabid, but because rabies is a fatal disease, people should contact their local public health district promptly if they or their pets or livestock have direct contact with a bat. Prompt wound care and a human rabies vaccine series are effective in preventing rabies in people who have been exposed."

To reduce the risk of rabies, Idaho public health officials recommend the following precautions:

• Leave bats alone. Do not touch or pick up bats and teach children not to handle bats or other wildlife. A bat resting on a wall or other surface during the day does not necessarily need assistance. If a bat on the ground appears sick or injured, contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game for guidance.
• Report possible exposures promptly. If you or your pet has direct contact with a bat, or if you wake up and find a bat in your room, contact your local public health district for guidance about whether the bat should be tested and whether medical or veterinary care is needed.
• Keep pets vaccinated against rabies. Dogs, cats, and ferrets should remain current on their rabies vaccinations. Even indoor pets can encounter bats. Contact your veterinarian with questions about rabies vaccination.

When a possible exposure has occurred, public health officials can help determine whether a bat should be tested for rabies. If testing is recommended, the bat should be safely captured without direct contact. Do not damage the bat's head because doing so can prevent laboratory testing. A captured bat approved for testing can be taken to a veterinarian, animal control agency, or Idaho Fish and Game for humane euthanasia and submission.

Bats are protected nongame wildlife in Idaho and should not be killed unnecessarily. People who discover a bat colony in a home, school, or other building should contact Idaho Fish and Game for guidance about safely getting bats out of the building and preventing them from returning.

For more information:

• Find your local public health district: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/community-health/public-health-districts
• Find your regional Idaho Department of Fish and Game office: https://idfg.idaho.gov/offices
• Idaho information about rabies: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/health-wellness/diseases-conditions/rabies
• Information about tracking and testing for rabies in Idaho: https://www.gethealthy.dhw.idaho.gov/infectious-diseases-rabies
• What to do if you find a bat in your home: https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/found-bat-your-home-dont-panic-here-are-steps-protect-yourself-and-bat

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is dedicated to strengthening the health, safety, and independence of Idahoans. Learn more at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov.

Idaho Fish and Game's mission is to protect, preserve, perpetuate and manage Idaho's wildlife resources. Learn more at idfg.idaho.gov/about.