The Portland Department of Public Health is reporting that a bat has tested positive for rabies in the city.
It’s the fourth confirmed case of rabies in Cumberland County this year and the 26th confirmed case across Maine.
Other cases in Cumberland County involve raccoons and a fox.
The city is recommending some basic tips for people to avoid rabies, such as avoiding direct contact with wild animals and not leaving pet food outside.
Rabies is a viral disease that is deadly if people don’t receive medical care before symptoms start, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Rabies Prevention: Preventing Rabies in People
- Enjoy wildlife from a distance. Avoid having any contact with wild animals or animals you do not know, including injured animals. Confirmed cases in Cumberland County have been raccoons, a fox, and a bat, but other cases have included skunks, woodchucks, cats, and other wildlife. If you find an injured animal, call your local game warden or animal control officer.
- Fasten trash can lids tightly and do not leave pet food outside. This keeps animals away from your house.
- Talk to an exterminator or contractor or Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist about “bat-proofing” your home or building.
- If you are traveling to another country, talk to a health care provider to see if getting vaccinated for rabies before traveling is the right decision for you.
Rabies Prevention: Preventing Rabies in Pets and Livestock
- Work with your veterinarian to keep all dogs, cats, ferrets, and livestock current on rabies vaccinations. It is the law in Maine that all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies after a certain age.
- Consider keeping all cats and ferrets indoors and dogs under direct supervision when outdoors to help prevent contact with wild animals.
- Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of stray animals.
- Call animal control if you see stray animals in your neighborhood since these animals may be unvaccinated or ill.
(City of Portland)
