Sarah Yurisic, DAHI Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Posted: Wed Sept 05 2007 11:25 p.m. Post subject: Rabies Alert: Rabid Bat In Erie County September 5, 2007 Please be advised that a BAT found on Firethorn Road 8 miles west of Wattsburg in Venango Township in Erie County has tested positive for rabies. The bat was found outside a home where the homeowner killed it. After killing the bat, the homeowner’s dog picked up the bat in it’s mouth. The dog will receive a rabies booster and will be quarantined for 90 days as he was current on his 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). Sarah Yurisic, DAHI Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

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Wednesday, September 05, 2007