Bats and rabies: How to prevent exposure for people and pets

Bats are most active during warm summer months. While bats play an important role in our ecosystem, they can spread rabies.

In Washington state, bats are the only animal known to carry rabies. Rabies is a disease caused by a virus. It infects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) of people and animals. Rabies infection almost always causes death. However, people who are exposed to rabies can prevent infection by getting prompt medical treatment.

Bats can spread rabies by biting, scratching, or licking a person or animal. Most bats do not have rabies, but it's important to keep your family and pets safe by avoiding contact with bats and making sure pets are vaccinated. 

The key to avoiding rabies is keeping bats out of your home. Add  screens to windows and doors and cover openings that could allow bats into your home. 

Avoid touching bats. Teach children to never touch bats and to tell an adult if they find a bat at home, at school, or with a pet. Never pick up a bat with bare hands, even if it appears sick or injured.  

It is always safest to enjoy wildlife from a distance. Do not attempt to feed or touch wild animals. 

Protect your pets by vaccinating them against rabies. All dogs, cats, and ferrets in Washington state must have up-to-date rabies vaccines. 

If you or a loved one knows they had contact with a bat, or thinks they may have had contact with a bat, be sure to: 

1. Look all over your body for bites or scratches. Bats have very small teeth, so the bites may not be immediately visible. 
2. Wash the bite, scratch, or contact area(s) immediately with soap and water for at least 10 minutes. 
3. If possible, try to safely capture the bat for rabies testing. Wear thick gloves when handling the bat.  
4. Contact your healthcare provider or Kitsap Public Health District at 360-728-2235. 

If you think your pet had contact with a bat, contact your veterinarian.