Bat in Santa Cruz County tests positive for rabies

SOQUEL — A wild animal in Santa Cruz County has tested positive for a notoriously infectious and potentially fatal viral disease.

The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency and Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter announced Tuesday that a rabies-infected bat was discovered in the Soquel area. The agencies also confirmed that a dog made contact with the bat, but had already been previously vaccinated against the virus.

Rabies can be transmitted to humans through bites and scratches from animals but is preventable through vaccination. Otherwise, it can be fatal.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, immediate medical attention coming in the form of post-exposure prophylaxis is required after a suspected rabies exposure. This includes wound care, a dose of human rabies immune globulin and a series of four or five rabies vaccines that must be administered as soon as possible. The care is nearly 100% effective if administered promptly, the CDC notes.

About 60,000 Americans receive post-exposure prophylaxis treatment every year after a potential rabies exposure with fewer than 10 deaths annually, according to the CDC.

Still, pets are the most likely to have contact with wild animals that may be carrying the disease.

California law requires that dogs be vaccinated against rabies, according to a release from the county, but it remains critical that cats and other household pets susceptible to rabies receive the vaccine and subsequent boosters. The county recommends pet owners contact their veterinarian to find out if vaccination is recommended for their pet or to confirm vaccination status.

Local residents are also encouraged to avoid contact with wildlife by refraining from handling, feeding or attracting animals to come into close range. Open garbage cans or pet food left outside can also unintentionally attract wild animals and should be avoided as much as possible.

Bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes are the most common carriers of rabies, according to the county release, and signs of infection can include appearing unusually friendly, fearless, disoriented or aggressive. Community members should keep themselves and their pets at a distance if this behavior is observed and report the animal to animal control by calling 831-454-7224. Call 911 if the animal is acting aggressive or if unqualified people are attempting to handle it.

Those who have been in contact with a bat or any wild animal, particularly if it is behaving abnormally or appears sick, should contact their health care provider immediately. They should also report any pet interactions to animal control and their veterinarian.