Eye On Boise

Rabid bat found in Canyon County

Posted by Betsy

Sept. 16, 2010 2:41 p.m. • 3 comments

Another rabid bat has been found in Idaho, this time in Canyon County, where it flew into a home and was being played with by a cat. The bat tested positive for rabies, and the cat hadn’t been vaccinated. “That’s why it’s so important to have your pets vaccinated, because if they aren’t vaccinated, the family has to make the unfortunate choice of either euthanizing the pet or … keeping them in isolation for six months,” said Laurie Boston, public information officer for Southwest District Health.

So far this year, rabid bats have been reported in Blaine, Boise and Shoshone counties; eight were found last year. Health & Welfare officials advise people to stay away from bats, and contact their health care provider if they’ve been bitten or scratched.

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