"Catch the Bat" advises CCHD

PLATTSBURGH | The Clinton County Health Department (CCHD) is urging residents to not release bats that are discovered in their homes. Bats can carry the fatal rabies virus, and once symptoms appear in people or pets, there is no cure. It is important to consult with the CCHD team to determine if anyone in the home was exposed to the animal. Any person or pet that comes into contact with an infected animal is at risk of getting rabies. "If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it or confine it to one room and immediately call the Clinton County Health Department to determine if the bat needs to be tested," explained Amanda Masten, Senior Public Health Sanitarian in the Environmental Health & Safety Division at CCHD. "So far this year, 43 people have received rabies post exposure shots compared to 15 at this time last year. Many of these could have been avoided if there had been a bat available to test." Follow these precautions to lower your risk of rabies exposure: Catch the Bat: If you discover a bat in your home, safely capture or contain it in one room andimmediately call the health department at 518-565-4870. The Rabies Officers can help determine ifthe bat needs to be tested. If there is no bat available to test, then you and your family may need toreceive post exposure rabies shots. Ensure Pets Are Vaccinated: Ensure that all pets, including dogs, cats, ferrets, and domesticatedlivestock, are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations. Vaccination not only safeguards pets but alsoacts as a barrier against rabies transmission to humans. CCHD offers free rabies vaccinations fordogs, cats and ferrets. A full schedule of upcoming clinics can be found atwww.clintoncountyny.gov/health/news-and-events. Avoid Strange-Acting Wildlife: Exercise caution around wildlife, particularly if they exhibit abnormal or aggressive behavior. Do not approach or attempt to handle wild animals, even if they are injured. Teach children to do the same. Instead, contact a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator. To find one near you visit: https://appfactory.dec.ny.gov/SpecialLicensesSearchSystem/rehab. Report Suspected Cases: If you encounter a wild animal displaying unusual behavior such as aggression, disorientation, or excessive drooling, promptly notify local animal control or the health department. Prepare Your Home: Keep your property free of stored bird seed or other foods that may attract wild animals. Tightly cap or put away garbage cans. Board up any openings to your attic, basement, porch, or garage. If your home has a chimney, make sure it is capped with a screen. If a wild animal is living in a garage, shed, or other part of your home, contact a wild animal control expert to have them removed. Additional information on rabies can be found in CCHD's North Country Health Effect available athttps://www.clintoncountyny.gov/sites/default/files/health/public-promotion/pdf/north-county-healtheffect/rabies.pdf.

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"Catch the Bat" advises CCHD

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