Dan & Becky Snyder Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 10:45 a.m. Post subject: RABIES ALERT - Rabid Bat In Jefferson County RABIES ALERT RABID BAT IN JEFFERSON COUNTY July 18, 2007 Please be advised that a BAT found in the borough of Worthville in Ringgold Township in Jefferson County has tested positive for rabies. A family's dog found the dead bat while she was loose in their backyard. The dog received a rabies booster and will be quarantined for 90 days as she was current on her rabies vaccination. There was no human exposure. When bats are found in sleeping quarters of a home, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends that they be tested for rabies. Any mammal that is exhibiting symptoms of rabies can be tested for rabies by the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Health. Pennsylvania law requires that all dogs and non-feral cats three months of age and older are rabies vaccinated and that booster vaccinations are administered periodically to maintain lifelong immunity. Rabies vaccine is also available for other species. As it is not possible to determine if this bat may have exposed other wild or domestic animals, please consult your private veterinary practitioner to determine your animal's needs. This is of great importance, as you need to assure that your pet is not a potential source of rabies for your family and neighbors. If you have any additional questions regarding this incident, please contact Dr. Karen Martin, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (814-332-6890). Karen Martin, VMD Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

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Thursday, July 19, 2007