Rabid bats confirmed in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County Public Health authorities issued a warning about Rabid bats confirmed to have been found in the county within the past two weeks.

There have been nine confirmed rabid bats discovered in Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana and Apple Valley, according to the county's health department.

"San Bernardino County Public Health is urging the public to protect themselves and their pets from interactions with unfamiliar, stray or wild animals," a statement issued Friday said.

"Rabies is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms begin," stated Dr. Erin Gustafson, County Interim Health Officer. "It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible for any animal bite or possible rabies exposure."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the most common Rabies carriers are raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes.

Domestic mammals can also get the fatal brain-wasting disease. Cats, cattle, and dogs are the most frequently reported rabid domestic animals in the United States.

Rabies among domestic animals is rare with animal vaccination programs.

The county issued the following guidelines to prevent exposure to rabies:

• Do not touch, feed, harass or provide shelter for any unfamiliar pets, wild or stray animals.
• Vaccinate pets against rabies. Dogs are required to be vaccinated for rabies at four months of age. Cats can be vaccinated as early as twelve to sixteen weeks old. The first rabies vaccine is effective for one year. After that initial shot, pets should be re-vaccinated every three years.
• Get pets spayed or neutered.
• Do not let pets roam free.
• Keep trash cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside.
• Bat-proof the home by sealing small openings and keeping unscreened doors and windows closed.
• Teach children never to approach any unfamiliar animals and to tell an adult immediately if they are bitten or scratched by any animal.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you are exposed to or bitten by an animal.
• Report any bite or scratch from a domestic or wild animal to the animal control agency for the area where the bite/scratch occurred.
• Report dead bats immediately to the animal control agency where the animal is located in.
• Do NOT attempt to touch or confine stray or wild animals.

For more information, contact San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control Services at 1-800-472-5609.