LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – It’s peak summer season season, and which means numerous bugs — and likewise bats.
The Ingham County Well being Division is reminding folks what to do in the event you discover a bat in your house. Retired veterinarian, Dr. William Schultz, tells 6 Information he just lately had to assist his associates with this very drawback.
“I get a call, ‘Oh my God, there’s a bat in the house,’” stated Dr. Schultz.
The physician is aware of how lethal rabies is.
“Once you have rabies, you have a very small chance of recovering,” stated Dr. Schultz.
The state studies that there are about 60 animal circumstances of rabies reported annually in Michigan. About 90% of Michigan infections are in bats. So, if one makes its manner into your house…
“Don’t open the window and let the bat out. Capture the bat,” Dr. Schultz stated.
The physician says you should utilize a fishing internet or a container to catch it, however no matter you do, don’t contact it.
“Anything to do with a bat that touched your skin, you should be concerned,” stated the physician.
Upon getting captured the bat, officers advise you to take it to your native well being division to be examined for rabies.
“It gives them a chance to follow the case of rabies in Michigan and even locally to see if it’s in the area,” stated Dr. Schultz.
If the take a look at comes again optimistic, Dr. Schultz stated that everybody within the residence must be vaccinated.
“A scratch from the bat, or a bite, you may not feel,” stated Dr. Schultz.
Canine homeowners are required to get their pups a rabies vaccine, however Dr. Schultz urges folks to get their cats vaccinated as effectively, even when they’re indoor solely.
“There are free vaccine clinics in Lansing; we have these all the time,” Dr. Schultz continued. “Because if you have a bat in your house, what are the odds your cat tried to catch it? Pretty good.”
The physician says that in case your pet is already vaccinated and comes into contact with a bat, revaccinate them instantly and observe them for 45 days. He added that together with bats, you ought to be cautious of raccoons, skunk,s and foxes.
