Rabid bat found in Lincoln County

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  • Vaccines stops the spread of rabies
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OKLAHOMA CITY – For the second time in six weeks, a rabies-infected bat has been discovered in Lincoln County, northeast of Oklahoma City, prompting state epidemiologists to remind citizens of the dangers of rabies exposure.

“Oklahoma is seeing more cases of rabies in the state this year than previous years,” said LeMac’ Morris, Oklahoma Public Health Veterinarian, in a press release on Monday. “With more sightings of skunks and bats, this is a perfect time to remind pet owners about the importance of vaccinating family pets, and even livestock.”

According to the World Health Organization, rabies is a zoonotic disease – a disease that is transmitted from ani- mals to humans – and is caused by the rabies virus. While domestic dogs are the most common spreader of rabies, bats and skunks and cats are known to spread the disease as well.

The way rabies is spread from animal to human is via the rabies-tainted saliva of rabid animals. The WHO notes that the virus typically enters the body via a wound, like a scratch, or by direct exposure of mucosal surfaces to saliva from an infected animal via a bite. However, the virus cannot infiltrate intact skin.

In Altus, the city’s animal control supervisor, Jeremy Calloway, told Southwest Ledger that while they have not had any rabies cases in Jackson County that he is aware of. Calloway also stated that if you see an animal – be it a skunk, dog or other creature – acting strangely, be alert and call animal control. “Be sure to keep your distance,” Calloway said. “Do not attempt to capture it yourself. Just call us first.” And that number in Altus is 580-481-2285.

Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife and seeking immediate medical attention after potential symptoms start. Symptoms can include general weakness, discomfort, fever and headache. And if untreated, rabies will continue to affect the central nervous system and lead to delirium, hallucinations, abnormal behavior, insomnia and the fear of water, known as hydrophobia.

Dr. Matthew Clark, a veterinarian at Classen View Veterinary Clinic in Oklahoma City, said that in his practice, incidences of rabies are rare, and that the last rabies case he had to address was four years ago.

Clark said vaccinating your pet for rabies is a “legal requirement” and key when bringing in a pet to his clinic for the first time for a wellness check or boarding.

Rabies vaccines are available for dogs, cats, ferrets, sheep, cattle, and horses. Oklahoma requires a veterinarian to vaccinate dogs, cats and ferrets against rabies by the time the animal is four months old, and at regular intervals thereafter.