Image by Mohan Nannapaneni from Pixabay
A rabid bat has been identified within the city of Burton, the first confirmed case of rabies in an
animal in Genesee County this year. The bat is deceased and poses no further risk to the public
at this point. The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) wants to remind residents that
wild animals become active this time of year, which means the possibility of exposure to rabies
is increasing. GCHD wants to advise the public, especially children, to avoid contact with wild,
stray, and dead animals to protect themselves against rabies.
Rabies is a virus that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. A person may
contract rabies through a bite, scratch, or saliva from an infected animal. A potential rabies
exposure should never be taken lightly. Treatment is available and effective for rabies if medical
attention is received shortly after contact, typically within 72 hours. If untreated, rabies is fatal.
Luckily, there are few human cases of rabies in the U.S. each year due to prevention efforts and
appropriate treatment for exposed persons.
Vaccinating all pets under your care with the rabies vaccine is essential to promoting animal and
human health. Even animals kept indoors can be exposed in unexpected situations, so all
animals for which a licensed rabies vaccine exists, should be properly vaccinated. This includes
dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, cattle and sheep.
How to prevent the spread and protect yourself from rabies:
• Keep vaccinations up-to-date for all dogs, cats, ferrets and other animals you own. A
licensed veterinarian should give the vaccines, and the appropriate boosters can be
discussed based on the guidelines.
• Seek immediate veterinary assistance for your pet if your pet is bitten by a wild animal or
exposed to a bat.
• If you or a family member is bitten or scratched by a wild animal, immediately wash the wound with soap and warm water. Contact your physician and state or local health department for further guidance regarding potential rabies exposure to evaluate the need for rabies post-exposure vaccination.
• Do not handle stray, wild, or dead animals. Teach children to never handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
• Never adopt wild animals, bring them into your home, or try to nurse sick, wild animals.
• Keep pets indoors, supervise when outside, and always use a leash when walking to limit their exposure to wild animals that may be rabid.
GCHD provides services on behalf of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. GCHD is committed to enhancing community well-being in Genesee County by preventing disease, promoting health, and protecting against environmental hazards. Its mission focuses on creating a healthier, safer environment for all residents.
For removal of nuisance animals, please contact a permitted contactor, with the Department of Natural Resources, preferably one with both liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. Ensure that the contractor is permitted for the specific animal you wish to be removed. A list of wildlife damage and nuisance animal control contractors in your particular area can be found here: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79136_79608_83071-137162–,00.html.
For domestic animals such as dogs or cats, please contact the Genesee County Animal Control (GCAC) at 810-732-1660. Please call GCAC for animal care questions at 810-732-1660. For questions regarding human health, contact GCHD at 810-257-1017.
