Bats Rabies in Michigan
Michigan bats can contract rabies, just like dogs, skunks and horses. Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the central nervous system. The virus typically is passed on through the bite of an infected animal. It can also be transmitted if a rabid mammal’s saliva enters an open wound or comes in contact with mucous membrane. The virus travels through the nerves, rather than thorough the bloodstream and reaches the brain in a period of weeks or months. Rabies is a potentially fatal disease unless treated quickly.
There are many rumors about bats and rabies, one of these rumors is that all bats carry rabies. Only a small percentage of bats catch rabies, but they die of it just like any other animal. All potential rabies exposures must be taken seriously, consult your physician for medical advice.
According to Oakland County Health Department, “If you wake up in a room with a bat present, regardless if there is evidence of a bite or scratch, seek medical attention. If at all possible trap the bat for rabies testing. Do not release the bat.”
Bat bites can go undetectected becuase their teeth are very small and do not leave easily recognizable wounds. If you wake up with a bat in your bedroom, seek medical attention. Unless the bat is captured and tested, we find that physicians recommend post exposure vaccinations.
One of the reasons to remove a bat colony from your attic or other unwanted place is to reduce the risk of getting bats inadvertently into your home.
Source: Organization for Bat Conservation.
Bat's and Rabies - Scientific Studies.
Researchers at Indiana State University conducted one of the longest studies on the incidence of rabies in mid-western bats. The study was concluded in 2003, and covered a span of 38 years. During that time 5,584 big brown bats were evaluated for rabies with 3.1% testing positive. Peak months for rabies in this species was October. It is important to note that the sampled population was biased in that many of the bats were impaired and easier to locate (sick, dying or were found on the ground). In other words, many bats that were suspected to be infected with rabies were not infected. The study acknowledges that a better estimate of the actual incidence of rabies in a nature is likely to be less than 1%. That said, take all suspected bat bits seriously, and contact your physician for medical advice.
Source: Whitaker and Douglas. Bat Rabies in Indiana.
Bat Rabies - Links
Map of Michigan Positive Rabies Cases & Current Statistics
Center for Disease Control - Rabies Information & Bat Information.
Oakland County Health Department - If you were bitten by a bat.
Oakland County Animal Control - Contact for Animal Laboratory Testing in Oakland County.
Macomb County Health Department - Contact for Animal Laboratory Testing in Macomb County.
Genesee County Animal Control - Contact for Animal Laboratory Testing in Genesee County.
Livingston County Health Department - Contact for Animal Laboratory Testing in Livingston County.
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