Kukuis Alii

A rabid bat has been found in Stagecoach.

There have been 4 Washoe county bats tested positive this summer.

Bats are highly beneficial for a number of reasons, and eat a significant amount of insects. They play an important ecological role in our area.

Only 1% of bats get infected with the rabies virus. Contracting the disease is easily avoided by not handling or touching bats.  Do not handle or touch a bat. A sick bat wil typically become paralyzed, and may be found laying on the ground. They are rarely aggressive, but will bite in self defence if handled.

For further information about bats:

http://dcnrnews.wordpress.com/2007/01/02/nevada%E2%80%99s-bats/

For information about rabies:

http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/health-topics/rabies.php

http://www.kolotv.com/healthbytes/headlines/Rabid_Bats_Found_in_Washoe_County_128356503.html

Any mammal can contract rabies. Any animal bite should be reported immediately so that life saving treatment can be started.

Rabies is almost always fatal.

Please make sure your pets are vaccinated.