LAKE COUNTY — There has been a concern among several Lake County residents about dead and sick bats showing up on their decks and property.
The worry is that these animals could be infected with rabies. Mary Scheif of Kelseyville reported that on Wednesday evening a bat flew onto her deck and died. She said her neighbors have also reported seeing dead and sick bats. There were also reports of several dead and dying bats having been seen at an Upper Lake residence.
According to Lake County Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Tait, people should avoid handing any dead or sick bats. If the bat is already dead, you should pick it up with a towel or glove and dispose of it in the trash. The towel or glove should also be discarded. She said that a rabid bat doesn”t have to actually bite someone to spread the disease. Just coming in contact with the animal can infect a person. According to Department of Fish and Game (DFG) about one in 200 sick bats will have the rabies virus. Tait also said that all dogs and cats should be vaccinated for rabies, because a pet can get the disease by eating an infected bat. Dead or sick bats can be reported to DFG game warden Loren Freeman at 998-9208.
