Bat Found In Lane County Tests Positive For Rabies - 07/13/26

  Lane County Public Health (LCPH) today announced laboratory confirmation from the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University of a rabies-infected bat found in Lane County. This is the third bat found in Lane County which has tested positive for rabies in 2026.

"All pet owners should make certain their dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies.  When our pets are protected from rabies, it provides a buffer zone of immune animals between humans and rabid wild animals, such as bats," says Dr. Emilio DeBess, State Public Health Veterinarian.

While bats help control insect populations, including mosquitoes, they are the primary reservoir of rabies in our wild animal communities.  Thus far this year in Oregon 13 bats have tested positive for rabies. 

Lane County residents and veterinarians should be aware that other animals could be exposed to the rabies virus and should, therefore, be alert to potential signs of the disease.  Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and mammals.  It is almost 100 percent fatal once symptoms begin.  The virus is carried in the saliva of an infected animal; transmission can occur when that animal bites, or in rare instances, scratches another animal or person. If bitten by a bat the wound should be immediately and thoroughly cleaned with soap and water.  In addition, medical attention should be sought.  Finally, if easily accomplished, the bat should be captured and the event reported to the Lane County Public Health.

There are several strains of rabies found in the U.S. (e.g., bat, skunk, fox, raccoon) but only bat rabies is found in Oregon.  Other animals that have tested positive for rabies in Oregon have contracted it from bats. People should stay away from bats and not handle them. 

LCPH recommends the following:

·         Vaccinate your pets (dogs and cats) against rabies

·          Do not handle bats with bare hands

·         Watch wildlife from a distance. Do not approach or attempt to handle wild animals.

·         Do not feed wild animals

·         Keep garbage in secure containers and away from wildlife

·         Feed pets indoors

·         Seal openings in attics, basements, porches, sheds, barns and screen chimneys that might provide access to bats and other wildlife

·         If your pet has contact with a bat, contact your veterinarian

For a statewide map showing the distribution of rabies in bats for 2026, please visit:https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/DISEASESAZ/RABIES/Documents/rabiesmap26.pdf

Lane County Public Health is a division of Lane County Health & Human Services is a department of Lane County. Their programs and services create a healthier and safer community through disease prevention, health promotion, and protection from environmental threats. Learn more about the work of Lane County Health and Human Services at: http://www.lanecountyor.gov/HHS