Posted Thursday, May 24, 2012 --- 9:40 a.m.
From NBC15's News Partner the Poynette Press:
Columbia County residents are advised to be wary of bats after one recently tested positive for rabies.
On May 15, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) submitted the bat, found in the town of Pacific in Columbia County. There was no known human or animal exposure to this rabid bat.
Columbia County Health and Human Services officials are reminding area residents of the rabies risk associated with the handling of bats and other wild animals. Bats present additional challenges because their bites can go undetected due to their small teeth.
As a result, it is recommended that bats be submitted for testing when a person has been in close physical proximity to a bat and the person cannot exclude the possibility of a bite or scratch. Being in the same room as a bat does not constitute exposure in a competent awake adult.
If people awake to find a bat in their home, they can contact Columbia County Health and Human Services at 742-9227 or their physician for advice.
