The third case of rabies was indentified last week in Jackson County.
The bat was discovered by residents in a yard near the south end of North Jungle Road, approximately 3 1/2 miles south of Murphysboro. No people or animals were known to have been exposed. Testing at the Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory resulted in the positive confirmation of rabies in the Red Bat.
Red Bats usually spend their days roosting in the dense foliage or loose bark of mature trees and are from the group of bats known as "solitary bats."
Solitary bats live mostly isolated lives, coming together only to migrate or mate. This species is one of the earliest fliers in the evening and is able to tolerate and remain active in cooler temperatures. It is one of the most common bats in rural southern Illinois. Bats, as a whole, are very valuable in controlling insect populations, and the Red Bat is noted for feeding on moths which may infest grain crops.
The discovery of three bats that tested positive for rabies in Jackson County is not cause for alarm and is not entirely unexpected. Although less than one half of one percent of the bat population may carry rabies, up to 10 positive tests are found in the county each year.
Local animal and rabies control officers advise all pet owners to check the current vaccination status of their animals and make sure all pets are currently vaccinated for your safety, and their protection.
Be alert for abnormal behavior in feral or wild animals, such as non-typical aggressive behavior or lack of fear/shyness in wild animals. If such an animal is encountered, isolate the animal from any domestic pet interaction or civilian encounter and contact your animal control agency or police department immediately.
Be particularly careful with children, and advise them not to touch or play with wild animals and report the animal to an adult if they appear sick or uncharacteristically friendly.
Should someone be bitten or exposed by direct contact with a possibly rabid animal, isolate and contain the animal immediately. Wash the exposed area or bite wound by scrubbing with soap and water. Contact your physician immediately and report the incident to your local animal control office or public health agency.
Local animal control agencies include:
Jackson County Animal Control: 618-687-7235
Murphysboro Animal Control: 618-684-3121
Carbondale Animal Control: 618-457-3200 ext. 424
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The third case of rabies was indentified last week in Jackson County.
The bat was discovered by residents in a yard near the south end of North Jungle Road, approximately 3 1/2 miles south of Murphysboro. No people or animals were known to have been exposed. Testing at the Illinois Department of Public Health Laboratory resulted in the positive confirmation of rabies in the Red Bat.
Red Bats usually spend their days roosting in the dense foliage or loose bark of mature trees and are from the group of bats known as "solitary bats."
Solitary bats live mostly isolated lives, coming together only to migrate or mate. This species is one of the earliest fliers in the evening and is able to tolerate and remain active in cooler temperatures. It is one of the most common bats in rural southern Illinois. Bats, as a whole, are very valuable in controlling insect populations, and the Red Bat is noted for feeding on moths which may infest grain crops.
The discovery of three bats that tested positive for rabies in Jackson County is not cause for alarm and is not entirely unexpected. Although less than one half of one percent of the bat population may carry rabies, up to 10 positive tests are found in the county each year.
Local animal and rabies control officers advise all pet owners to check the current vaccination status of their animals and make sure all pets are currently vaccinated for your safety, and their protection.
Be alert for abnormal behavior in feral or wild animals, such as non-typical aggressive behavior or lack of fear/shyness in wild animals. If such an animal is encountered, isolate the animal from any domestic pet interaction or civilian encounter and contact your animal control agency or police department immediately.
Be particularly careful with children, and advise them not to touch or play with wild animals and report the animal to an adult if they appear sick or uncharacteristically friendly.
Should someone be bitten or exposed by direct contact with a possibly rabid animal, isolate and contain the animal immediately. Wash the exposed area or bite wound by scrubbing with soap and water. Contact your physician immediately and report the incident to your local animal control office or public health agency.
Local animal control agencies include:
Jackson County Animal Control: 618-687-7235
Murphysboro Animal Control: 618-684-3121
Carbondale Animal Control: 618-457-3200 ext. 424
