A bat found in Ada County tested positive for rabies last week, making it the first rabid bat reported in the state this year.
Two vaccinated dogs were exposed to the rabid bat. The owner of the dogs is working with their veterinarian to assure they receive rabies boosters. Public Health officials are investigating any exposure to humans.
Bats are the only known natural reservoir of the rabies virus in Idaho and should always be avoided. While most bats do not carry rabies, an average of 15 rabid bats are detected in Idaho each year, and no area of Idaho is considered rabies-free. Last year 26 bats tested positive for rabies in Idaho. As recently as 2021, an Idaho resident died from rabies after contact with a rabid bat.
Health officials say people should avoid contact with bats as a general rule. Anyone who comes in contact with a bat should consult a healthcare provider.
Bats should be tested for rabies if there is any chance a person, pet, or livestock had contact with it. There is no need to test a bat that has had no interaction with people, pets, or livestock.
