Post by jonsdigs on Dec 20, 2006 19:07:20 GMT -5
Leon County warns against touching bats
Tallahassee Democrat
Originally published December 18, 2006
Having responded to three calls in the last week regarding residents coming in contact with bats, the Leon County Animal Control division is warning residents not to touch bats because they can carry rabies.
If you do come in contact with a bat, you're advised to call Animal Control officers.
"I recently had a citizen who said they rescued a bat and caught it with their bare hands," Animal Control Director Richard Ziegler said. “People should not touch bats. Also, if a bat is found in a condition that allowed someone to approach and capture it, chances are that there is something wrong with it."
Anyone who does touch a bat is usually required to get rabies tests, which are painful and expensive.
"I don't want people to panic, but be cautious," Ziegler said in a news release.
If someone finds a bat outside, they should leave it alone. If it's injured, call an animal control officer. If someone finds a bat inside a house, it is likely that there are more bats, especially in older buildings where the animal can gain entry though small cracks or other openings. Residents should call Leon County Animal Control immediately.
It is recommended that pet owners vaccinate their animals against rabies and report any interaction between their pet and bats.
Article
Tallahassee Democrat
Originally published December 18, 2006
Having responded to three calls in the last week regarding residents coming in contact with bats, the Leon County Animal Control division is warning residents not to touch bats because they can carry rabies.
If you do come in contact with a bat, you're advised to call Animal Control officers.
"I recently had a citizen who said they rescued a bat and caught it with their bare hands," Animal Control Director Richard Ziegler said. “People should not touch bats. Also, if a bat is found in a condition that allowed someone to approach and capture it, chances are that there is something wrong with it."
Anyone who does touch a bat is usually required to get rabies tests, which are painful and expensive.
"I don't want people to panic, but be cautious," Ziegler said in a news release.
If someone finds a bat outside, they should leave it alone. If it's injured, call an animal control officer. If someone finds a bat inside a house, it is likely that there are more bats, especially in older buildings where the animal can gain entry though small cracks or other openings. Residents should call Leon County Animal Control immediately.
It is recommended that pet owners vaccinate their animals against rabies and report any interaction between their pet and bats.
Article