Rabies Warning!

City issues rabies warning, urges caution by residents

Lewisville Animal Services today reported that a live bat picked up in a residential neighborhood on the north side of town has tested positive for rabies. Although there is no evidence at this time of infection among humans or domesticated animals, residents are being urged not to handle live or dead bats in order to avoid possible exposure to the disease.

The infected bat was collected on the sidewalk in the 1300 block of Jasmine Drive on Wednesday (Sept. 9) after being reported by a resident. However, because bats are highly mobile while feeding, residents throughout the area are being asked to avoid contact with bats.

Residents who believe they, their children or their outdoor pets might have come into physical contact with a live or dead bat recently is asked to contact Lewisville Animals Services at 972-219-3478 to report the contact. In addition, officials offered the following tips:

· Bats are wild animals and should never be handled.
· Some bats may be infected with rabies.
· Not all sick bats are rabid, and not all rabid bats appear sick.
· If you see a bat in a location where a person can reach it, or in a room where someone has been sleeping, please contact City of Lewisville Animal Services.

For more information on bats and rabies, please visit www.cityoflewisville.com.

Posted on 09-11-2009