Courtesy: North Dakota Department of Health
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – Two bats have tested positive for rabies in Bismarck since August 20.
The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services said the animals were collected after dogs had contact with them. No human exposures have been reported.
NDHHS said two positive cases from the same area in a short period of time is rare and four bats have tested positive for rabies this year.
HHS, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture advise you to take the following precautions to avoid bat contact and prevent rabies:
- Look for unusual bat behaviors such as being active during the day, laying on the ground unable to fly, or having direct contact with a human or a pet which may indicate rabies.
- Contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department if you find a dead bat so it can be collected for rabies testing.
- Safely capture bats that have had contact with a person or pet, were in a room where someone was sleeping, or were in a room with a child. Never handle bats with bare hands. Wearing thick gloves, place the bat in a rigid plastic container or double Ziploc bag and call HHS for further direction.
- Seal small holes in siding or roofing, cap chimneys, use screens on windows and vents, and keep doors to the outside closed. Bats can fit through tiny openings as small as one-quarter inch.
- Wear leather gloves, long sleeves and pants when cleaning an attic, barn, outbuilding or cabin where bats may be present.
- Vaccinate all pets against rabies.
You can report suspected colonies of bats to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
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