Department of Health News

Albany County Health Department Urges Bat Safety

Bats Should Be Tested For Rabies Before Being Released

     The Albany County Health Department has issued an advisory for residents to be aware that bats may carry rabies and to capture any bats that come in contact with humans or pets for rabies testing.

     Only a small percentage of bats are infected with rabies, but they still do pose a threat.  Any contact with a bat is a concern, including a bite, scratch, saliva contact to your eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound or any other physical contact.

     People should be aware that bats have small sharp teeth, which may not leave a visible bite mark.  If you find a bat in your room, see a bat in the room of an unattended child, or if there is any chance that the bat had contact with a person or pet seek medical advice and have the bat captured and tested for rabies. 

     The Health Department advises to use caution when capturing a bat.  If indoors close all window, room and closet doors, turn on the lights and wait for the bat to land.  Wearing heavy gloves, cover the bat with a pail, coffee can or similar container.  Immediately call the Health Department at 518-447-4620. 

     During spring and summer, bats roost in attics, behind shutters and in other sheltered areas of homes and buildings.  If you suspect bats are roosting in your house, watch for them leaving at dusk or entering before dawn. 

     To "batproof" your home, use polypropylene bird netting, fly screening, sheet metal, wood or various  caulking compounds to close or cover openings that allow entry for bats to roost.  House bats can pass through crevices as thin as a pencil.  Before "batproofing" make sure there are no bats already in the roost.  The Health Department urges residents to not use chemicals or pesticides to kill bats because of the risk of exposure to humans and causes sick or dying bats to be grounded in the community, further increasing the chance of contact with people and pets. 

     For more information call the Department of Health at 518-447-4620 or visit www.wadsworth.org/rabies/.

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