The Niagara County Department of Health has reported the discovery of a rabid bat in Wilson earlier this week. In a news release, the agency confirmed that the bat was found outdoors on Wilson-Burt Road on Sunday.
Laboratory tests conducted on a specimen submitted to a laboratory confirmed the presence of the rabies virus. Animal rabies continues to be a significant public health concern in the area, according to the Niagara County Department of Health. Rabies is a viral disease that almost always results in the death of infected animals that have not received proper rabies vaccination.
In light of this, the agency urged residents to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their pets from potential exposure to rabid animals. One of the worrisome aspects of rabies is that infected animals can shed the virus through direct contact before exhibiting any symptoms. This highlights the importance of individuals being cautious around wildlife and promptly reporting any suspicious or aggressive animal behavior to the local authorities.
For more information on rabies, the Niagara County Department of Health has provided additional resources and guidelines on its dedicated rabies page, accessible at niagaracounty.gov/health. It is crucial for residents in the surrounding areas to remain vigilant and well-informed about the risks associated with rabies.