Second bat tests positive for rabies in Toro Park this year
Another bat has tested positive for rabies in the Toro Park area this year, making it the second case in three months.The first case was on April 2 in the Salinas area of Toro Park, when an owned pet was exposed to the infected bat. No human was exposed to the pet, and it was placed under quarantine.This latest case was reported on June 7 near Portola and Anza Drive in an unincorporated area of Monterey County. After an investigation, Hitchcock Road Animal Services said there was no exposure to either humans or pets. Past Coverage | Bat found in Monterey County tests positive for rabiesThe County of Monterey Public Health Bureau and Animal Services wants to remind residents and visitors that there is a continuous presence of rabies in local wildlife and that skunks and bats are the most common animals to test positive for the virus. Officials also warn that domestic animals including companion dogs and cats are at higher risk for rabies once they come in contact with wildlife. And that pet owners should keep up to date with rabies vaccinations and visit their local veterinarian on a regular basis. Another instance of a bat testing positive for rabies in the Toro Park area was in June of 2023. Pet owners are reminded to visit veterinarians regularly and keep up with rabies shots.Owners are asked to take the following precautions:Owners should avoid leaving their pets outside unattended, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife can be most active.Owners of domestic livestock species such as horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle should discuss rabies vaccinations with their veterinarian as these species are also susceptible to rabies infections from rabid wild animals.Residents should avoid leaving pet food and water outside because it encourages wildlife activity around the home.People should avoid contact with wildlife, particularly skunks and bats, at all times. Do not touch or approach animals acting strangely. If any wild animals are found dead, acting abnormally or ill, or if you think you or your pets have been exposed to rabies, contact Monterey County Animal Services at 831-769-8850 or your local animal control agency.More Coverage | Fox and skunk test positive for rabies in SalinasFor more information on the rabies virus, you can call the County of Monterey Health Department’s Communicable Disease Unit at 831-755-4521 or click here.
Another bat has tested positive for rabies in the Toro Park area this year, making it the second case in three months.
The first case was on April 2 in the Salinas area of Toro Park, when an owned pet was exposed to the infected bat. No human was exposed to the pet, and it was placed under quarantine.
This latest case was reported on June 7 near Portola and Anza Drive in an unincorporated area of Monterey County. After an investigation, Hitchcock Road Animal Services said there was no exposure to either humans or pets.
Past Coverage | Bat found in Monterey County tests positive for rabies
The County of Monterey Public Health Bureau and Animal Services wants to remind residents and visitors that there is a continuous presence of rabies in local wildlife and that skunks and bats are the most common animals to test positive for the virus.
Officials also warn that domestic animals including companion dogs and cats are at higher risk for rabies once they come in contact with wildlife. And that pet owners should keep up to date with rabies vaccinations and visit their local veterinarian on a regular basis.
Another instance of a bat testing positive for rabies in the Toro Park area was in June of 2023.
Pet owners are reminded to visit veterinarians regularly and keep up with rabies shots.
Owners are asked to take the following precautions:
- Owners should avoid leaving their pets outside unattended, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife can be most active.
- Owners of domestic livestock species such as horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle should discuss rabies vaccinations with their veterinarian as these species are also susceptible to rabies infections from rabid wild animals.
- Residents should avoid leaving pet food and water outside because it encourages wildlife activity around the home.
- People should avoid contact with wildlife, particularly skunks and bats, at all times. Do not touch or approach animals acting strangely. If any wild animals are found dead, acting abnormally or ill, or if you think you or your pets have been exposed to rabies, contact Monterey County Animal Services at 831-769-8850 or your local animal control agency.
More Coverage | Fox and skunk test positive for rabies in Salinas
For more information on the rabies virus, you can call the County of Monterey Health Department’s Communicable Disease Unit at 831-755-4521 or click here.
