Bats and rabies: here’s what you should know

The Health Units says about 3% of bats carry rabies, and they want us to be very careful when we’re around the flying nocturnal creatures.

Senior Public Health Inspector Kim McCann says the rabies virus is no joke:

So we need to know what to look for. The most common symptom is loss of flight. If you see a bat on the ground, stay clear and call the health unit at 1-800-660-5853.

McCann says close encounters have to be treated seriously.

McCann adds that if you are bitten by a rabid bat there is a treatment that can prevent the onset of the disease.

You can find out more at the following links:

Bats – Health Canada

Keeping Bats Out of Your House – Centers of Disease Control and Prevention

Prevent conflicts with bats | ontario.ca

Bat Conservation International