(Ogden, UT) – A bat found in Morgan County has tested positive for rabies, prompting Weber-Morgan Health Department officials to remind residents to keep their pets’ vaccinations up to date and avoid touching bats or other wild animals that may carry the fatal disease.
“Bats play an important role in our ecosystem and the majority of the bats in our population are healthy and tend to keep to themselves,” says Amy Carter communicable disease nurse with the Weber-Morgan Health Department. “However, if you see one in the daylight, or if it’s in a place where you or your pet can pick it up, there’s a good chance it is ill.”
This is the first report of a positive bat in Utah for 2025. Carter adds that as the weather warms up, the chances of coming into contact with rabies increases.
Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and nervous system and has fatal consequences if not treated properly, which includes pre-exposure vaccination for pets and post-exposure vaccinations for individuals.
The virus spreads to humans and pets through exposure to the saliva of an infected animal. In Utah, bats are the most common carrier of the rabies virus. Skunks, raccoons, foxes and unvaccinated cats and dogs can also carry the disease. Under Utah law, cats and dogs must be vaccinated for rabies.
“The good news is that rabies is preventable,” Carter said.
Here are some recommendations to protect yourself, your family and your pets.
•
Keep your pet’s vaccinations up-to-date. Check the pet’s vaccination status with your veterinarian and put your records where you can access them quickly.
•
Stay away from wild animals. Call your local animal control for assistance if it appears sick, injured or is acting strangely.
•
Act quickly if you are bitten or scratched by a bat or other wild animal. Immediately wash the wound with soap and water and see your healthcare provider. If possible, safely contain the bat and contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Services so it can be tested for rabies.
•
Report any interactions with a bat found in a sleeping area. Any exposure to a bat in a sleeping area is considered an exposure due to their ability to spread the virus through extremely small bites or scratches.
“In Utah, dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated,” Carter said. “Vaccination is important because it is how we prevent rabies in our cats and dogs. It saves time and heartache if your pet is involved in a biting incident or comes in contact with a rabid bat or other animal.”
To learn more about bats, animals and rabies, please visit the Utah Department of Health and Human Services website at epi.utah.gov/rabies or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/rabies.
Local contacts to report biting incidents, stray animals or other wildlife include:
•
Weber-Morgan Health Department, 801-399-7250
•
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 801-476-2740
•
Your local animal control agency or local dispatch
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lori Buttars, Public Information Officer
Weber-Morgan Health Department
801-399-7114