Second bat tests positive for rabies in Tropical Park this year
Editor’s note: This story has been corrected. We originally reported that the bat was found in Toro County Park and used a photo of the park. The bat was in a residential area near the park, not inside the park. Another bat has tested positive for rabies in the Toro Park area this year, the second in three months. This latest case was reported on June 7 near Portola and Anza Drive in an unincorporated area of Monterey County. The first case occurred on April 2 outside Salinas near Toro Park when a pet came into contact with an infected bat. After investigating both cases, Hitchcock Road Animal Services said there was no human or pet exposure. Previous coverage | Bat Found in Monterey County Tests Positive for Rabies Monterey County Public Health and Animal Services wants to remind residents and visitors that rabies continues to be present in local wildlife, with skunks and bats being the most common animals to test positive for the virus. Officials also warn that domestic animals such as pet dogs and cats are at higher risk of contracting rabies when they come into contact with wild animals.It also states that pet owners should regularly vaccinate their pets against rabies and visit their local veterinarians. Another case of a bat testing positive for rabies in the Tropark area was in June 2023. Pet owners should remember to regularly visit their veterinarians and continue their rabies vaccinations. Pet owners are urged to take the following precautions: Owners should not leave their pets outside, especially at dawn and dusk, when wild animals are most active. Owners of livestock such as horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cows should discuss rabies vaccinations with their veterinarians, as these species can also contract rabies from rabies-infected wild animals. Residents should not leave pet food or water outside, as this will encourage wildlife activity around their homes. People should always avoid contact with wild animals, especially skunks and bats. Do not touch or approach animals that are behaving strangely. If you find any wild animals dead, acting strangely or sick, or if you think you or your pets may have been exposed to rabies, contact Monterey County Animal Services at 831-769-8850 or your local animal control agency. Learn more | Fox and skunk test positive for rabies in SalinasFor more information about the rabies virus, call the Monterey County Health Department’s Communicable Disease Section at 831-755-4521 or click here.
Editor’s note: This story has been corrected. We originally reported that the bat was found in Toro County Park and used a photo from the park. The bat was in a residential area near the park, but not inside the park.
Another bat has tested positive for rabies in the Tropark area this year, the second case in three months.
The latest case was reported near Portola and Anza Drive in unincorporated Monterey County on June 7. The first case occurred on April 2 near Troparc, outside Salinas, when a pet came into contact with an infected bat.
Hitchcock Road Animal Services said after investigating both incidents that no humans or pets were infected.
Previous coverage | Bat found in Monterey County tests positive for rabies
Monterey County Public Health and Animal Services would like to remind residents and visitors that rabies continues to be present in local wildlife, with skunks and bats being the most common animals to test positive for the virus.
Officials also warn that domestic animals such as dogs and cats are at higher risk of rabies infection if they come into contact with wild animals, and that pet owners should get their animals vaccinated against rabies regularly and visit their local veterinarians.
Another incident in which a bat tested positive for rabies in the Tropark area occurred in June 2023.
Pet owners are advised to take their pets to the veterinarian regularly and to get rabies vaccinations.
Owners are urged to take the following precautions:
- Owners should avoid leaving their pets outside at dawn and dusk, when wildlife is most active.
- Owners of livestock such as horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle should discuss rabies vaccinations with their veterinarian, as these animals can also contract rabies from rabies-infected wild animals.
- Residents should avoid leaving pet food or water outside as this encourages wildlife activity around the home.
- Always avoid contact with wild animals, especially skunks and bats. Do not touch or approach any animals that appear to be acting strangely. If you find any wild animals dead, acting strangely or sick, or if you think you or your pets may have rabies, contact Monterey County Animal Services at 831-769-8850 or your local animal control agency.
MORE COVERAGE | Fox and skunk test positive for rabies in Salinas
For more information about the rabies virus, please call the Monterey County Health Department’s Infectious Disease Division at 831-755-4521 or click here.
