Sarah Yurisic Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Posted: Wed Oct 17 2007 11:30 a.m. Post subject: RABIES ALERT.bat in mercer county.10.16.07 RABIES ALERT RABID BAT IN MERCER COUNTY October 16, 2007 Please be advised that a BAT found in a home on East Butler Street in Mercer, Mercer County has tested positive for rabies. The bat was found alive in the bed of a couple in the upstairs apartment at 2 in the morning. The bat was brought to the Region 1 Office to be submitted for rabies testing where it was noted that the bat was aggressive and vocalizing. There were 2 people and no animals exposed to this bat. 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, October 17, 2007