CITY OF LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WKBW) — Niagara County Department of Health Reports are warning the public after the discovery of a rabid bat in the City of Lockport.
County officials say the bat was captured on Continental Drive, City of Lockport on September 4th and there were no known exposures to humans or pets. The bat was sent to the NYSDOH Wadsworth Center, Griffon Laboratory for testing.
“Bats, raccoons, skunks, and fox are all common wildlife carriers of the rabies virus. It is possible that a rabid animal can shed (share) the virus by direct contact before symptoms appear visible. A rabid animal is confirmed by submitting a laboratory sample. Please contact this office if a bat gets into your home to discuss if there is a reason to be concerned before you release or dispose of the bat,” Scott Ecker, Associate Supervising Sanitarian, added.
The Niagara County Department of Health would like to remind County residents of the following precautions to prevent exposure to rabies from wildlife and domestic animals:
-Do not feed, touch or adopt wild animals, stray dogs or feral cats.
-Be sure your dogs and cats are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
-Keep family pets indoors at night. Do not leave them outside unattended or let them roam free.
-Don’t attract wild animals to your home or yard. Keep your property free of stored bird seed or other foods
which may attract wild animals. Feed pets indoors. Tightly cover, or put away garbage cans. Board up any
openings to your attic, basement, porch or garage. Cap your chimney with screens.
-Encourage children to immediately tell adults if they are bitten by any animals. Tell children not to touch any
animals they do not know.
-If a wild animal is on your property, let it wander away. Bring children and pets indoors and alert neighbors
that are outside.
-If your pet has been in a fight with another animal, wear gloves to handle it. Isolate it from other animals and
people for several hours. Call your veterinarian.
Report all animal bites or contact with wild animals to the Niagara County Department of Health Environmental Division at 439-7444.
