Rabid Bat Confirmed in Buchanan County Community

BUCHANAN, VA (LOOTPRESS) – A bat collected August 2, from the Lovers Gap Road area of the Vansant community in Buchanan County tested positive for rabies. This is the first confirmed case of animal rabies in Buchanan County and in the Cumberland Plateau Health District this year.

A resident observed that their cat and its kittens had caught 2 juvenile bats on August 1 and notified the local health department with concerns of a potential rabies exposure to the animals. The health department submitted the specimens for testing which one of the bats tested positive for rabies. The health department wants to remind residents to report any human or domestic animal exposure to a bat or other suspected rabid animal to their local health department or animal control office for investigation to assure individuals and domestic animals are protected.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. Once symptoms in humans develop, the infection is usually fatal. Administering preventive treatment following an exposure and before symptoms develop is critical in preventing disease and death. It’s important to seek medical attention promptly after a possible exposure.

The Cumberland Plateau Health District strongly advises that people take these steps to protect family members and pets from rabies:

• Have your veterinarian vaccinate your dogs, cats, ferrets, and selected livestock. Keep the vaccinations up to date.
• If your pet is attacked or bitten by a wild animal, report it to the local health or animal control authorities. Be sure your vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret receives a booster vaccination.
• Limit the possibility of exposure by keeping your animals on your property. Don’t let pets roam free.
• Do not leave garbage or pet food outside. It may attract wild or stray animals.
• Do not keep wild animals as pets. Enjoy all wild animals from a distance, even if they seem friendly. A rabid animal sometimes acts tame.
• If you see an animal acting strangely, do not go near it and report it to your local animal control department.
• Exclude bats from any building occupied by humans and domestic animals. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/208/2023/02/bat-capture.pdf

For more information, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/animal-contact-human-health/rabies-control/ or call the Buchanan County Health Department at 276-935-4591.