8 hours Ago
LEWISTON, N.Y. — The Niagara County Department of Health says have have confirmed a bat found on Swann Road in the Town of Lewiston has tested positive for rabies.
The bat was found on April 16 and taken for testing. Because of incidental contact, two vaccinated household cats at the property where the bat was found will receive precautionary rabies booster shots. There are no reports of other people or animals exposed.
The health department reminds the public that bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes can all be carriers rabies virus. Health officials say it is possible that a rabid animal can she the virus, even before symptoms appear. The health department says rabies is a viral disease that can result in death of an animal that is not protected with a rabies vaccination.
The Niagara County Department of Health provides these tips to prevent exposure to rabies from wildlife and domestic animals: If you find a bat in your home, they ask residents not to injure, release or discard it. They want you to Immediately contact the NCDOH-Environmental Health Division at 716-439-7444 to discuss the specifics of the situation or occurrence..
