Rabid bat found near homes in north suburbs; residents advised to get pets vaccinated ‘immediately'

Cook County officials say a rabid bat was found in a residential area of the north suburbs.

According to an alert from the Cook County Bureau of Administration, a bat found near a home 400 block of Grove Street in Glencoe July 3 was brought to the Illinois State Public Health Laboratory for testing.

The testing determined the bat was positive for rabies, Cook County said. It’s the second bat to test positive in the country this year.

“All residents should keep their dogs, cats and ferrets on a leash when outside of their homes,” the Cook County officials said. Officials added that pets in the area who do not have current rabies vaccinations to get them inoculated “immediately.”

Officials went on to say that residents should not attempt to handle any bats, skunks or other wild animals. “If any bats or skunks are found dead on your property or roadway, please call Cook County Animal and Rabies Control,” the alert said.

from NBC Chicago https://ift.tt/c9bo0SP