The Nebraska Humane Society is reminding everyone how easily pets can be exposed to the Rabies virus following the death of a puppy who got a hold of a bat.
NHS says the puppy was playing in the family backyard when it came in contact with a bat that had the virus. They say although the puppy had gotten a rabies vaccine, it had just recently been given and was not yet effective enough to prevent the virus. The Humane Society says Tuesday morning, the puppy began displaying early symptoms of Rabies and was euthanized following a decision made between the vet and the puppy's owner.
The Humane Society says this incident is a reminder of the risks associated with the Rabies virus, how easily pets can be exposed and why it is important to keep your pet’s rabies vaccinations current.
NHS says most often, Rabies exposures happen when wild animals find their way onto properties where they are least expected, which is not always preventable. The Nebraska Humane Society reminds everyone that if you do find a bat, never approach or touch it and keep your pets away from it.
If a bat needs to be removed from an area, contact NHS immediately.
The CDC considers the following to be high risk Rabies exposure incidents:
- Finding a bat in the same room where a person was asleep.
- Finding a bat in the same room with an unattended child.
- Finding a bat in the same room with a person who is unable to communicate, such as a person who is inebriated or has difficulty communicating.
- A person (or pet animal) having been bitten by a bat, or otherwise having physical contact of any kind with a bat without the use of personal protective equipment.
- Potential for body fluid transfers between bats and other pet animals or humans.
For more information on rabies vaccinations contact your veterinarian or the Nebraska Humane Society at 402-444-7800.