Rabid bat found in Buchanan County

BUCHANAN COUNTY, Va. (WVVA) - A bat found in Buchanan County has been confirmed to have rabies.

According to the Virginia Department of Health, the bat was collected from Lovers Gap Road in the Vansant area on August 2.

The bat was found on August 1 when a resident’s cat and kittens had caught two juvenile bats. The resident notified the local health department with concerns of possible rabies exposure to the animals.

The bats were submitted for testing, and one was confirmed to have rabies.

This is the first positive case of animal rabies in Buchanan County and the Cumberland Plateau Health District this year.

The VHD reminds the public that residents should report any human or domestic animal exposure to bats or any other suspected rabid animals to their local health department or animal control office for investigation.

“Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Once symptoms in humans develop, the infection is usually fatal,” said the VHD. “Administering preventive treatment following an exposure and before symptoms develop is critical in preventing disease and death. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly after a possible exposure.”

The Cumberland Health District shares these steps to protect humans and pets from rabies:

• Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and selected livestock.
• Keep the vaccinations up to date.
• If your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild animal, report it to the local health or animal control authorities.
• Be sure your vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret receives a booster vaccination.
• Limit the possibility of exposure by keeping your animals on your property. Don’t let pets roam free.
• Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. It may attract wild or stray animals.
• Do not keep wild animals as pets. Enjoy all wild animals from a distance, even if they seem friendly. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame.
• If you see an animal acting strangely, do not go near it and report it to your local animal control department.
• Exclude bats from any building occupied by humans and domestic animals. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/208/2023/02/bat-capture.pdf

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