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Las Cruces Area Alert: Bat Tests Positive For Rabies

 Doña Ana County Animal Control officers were called to a rural residence this week by a woman whose cat had killed a bat. Per standard protocol, the bat’s body was sent to a state lab, where it tested positive for rabies.

   Rabies is a disease that is transmittable to mammals – including people and companion animals – and can be fatal if not quickly and aggressively treated.

   Because the woman’s cat is current on its vaccinations, she is able to quarantine and monitor the cat in her home for 45 days while staying in close contact with Animal Control.

   In addition to keeping their companion animals regularly vaccinated, urban and rural residents should avoid bats – living or dead – and should immediately contact Animal Control in the event a companion animal is toying with a bat or a bat’s carcass.

   Children should be strongly cautioned against contact with bats, and any person who has made contact with a bat should seek immediate medical attention.