ADA COUNTY, Idaho — Ada County has recorded 15 bats that tested positive for rabies this year, according to Idaho Department of Health and Welfare data.
The latest positive test came from a bat reported this week, according to the Idaho Humane Society.
IHS is reminding residents that rabies is preventable, and pet owners should make sure their dogs and cats are up to date on their rabies vaccines.
What to Know About Bats
Most healthy bats avoid people and do not want to come into contact with humans, but a bat that can be easily approached or handled may be sick or injured.
If you see a bat acting unusually, keep your distance. Keep children and pets away from it, too.
If a bat gets inside your home, take extra care if you have young children or pets. If there is any chance someone or a pet came into contact with the bat, the animal should be safely contained and tested for rabies.
Do not try to handle the bat yourself. Contact animal control or local public health officials for guidance on safely containing the bat and having it tested.
Health officials also remind residents that bats play an important role in the ecosystem. The goal is not to harm bats, but to give them space and take precautions when one is acting unusually.
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