Lubbock Public Health & Lubbock Animal Services Remind Community of Rabies Safety Following Recent Bat Encounters

The City of Lubbock is reminding residents not to handle bats after several rabid bats have been found in the community. Rabies is a deadly disease that can spread to humans and pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.

 

“Even healthy-looking bats can carry rabies,” said Steven Greene, Director of Lubbock Animal Services, “Never attempt to pick it up, even if it appears sick, injured, or dead.”

 

Protect Yourself and Your Family

• Do not touch bats. If you find a bat indoors or on the ground, keep children and pets away.
• Call for help. Contact Lubbock Animal Services for assistance with safe removal. If a bat has had contact with a person or pet, it should be tested for rabies. Animal Control will coordinate the testing at no charge to the resident. 
• Vaccinate your pets. Make sure dogs, cats, and other animals are up to date on rabies vaccinations.
• Get medical care if exposed. If you are bitten, scratched, or have bare-skin contact with a bat, wash the area with soap and water right away and seek medical attention. Rabies is preventable with prompt treatment.

 

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin, but it is preventable through vaccination after exposure. Quick action saves lives.

 

To report a bat encounter, contact Lubbock Animal Services at 806-775-3357 or 806-775-2057.

 

For more information on rabies in bat populations, visit the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/rabies/prevention/bats.html