Confirmed bat rabies variant in Richland County

A bat in Jefferson Township, Richland County, Ohio, was submitted for rabies testing and was confirmed positive with rabies by the Ohio Department of Health late on September 23, 2022. The last confirmed case of rabies reported in Richland County was also found in a wild bat in 2020.

Bats have a greater potential of interaction with domestic animals and pets due to their roosting habits. Interactions between people and bats can occur however, and it is important to follow the following measures to protect your family and pets against rabies:

· DO NOT feed wild animals or leave food outside for animals to find

· AVOID contact with wild animals: keep children AWAY from any unknown animals

· IF you find a bat in your home, you can remove it yourself. Visit https:// www.cdc.gov/rabies/bats/ contact/capture.html for instructions

· KEEP your indoor and outdoor pets vaccinated against rabies

Please contact your veterinarian for rabies vaccination of your pets.

For more information regarding rabies, please visit:

· https://odh.ohio. gov/know-our-programs/ zoonotic-disease-program/ diseases/rabies