MENASHA (NBC 26) -- A bat found in Menasha recently tested positive for rabies, the Menasha Health Department said Friday.
A statement from the health department said the animal was submitted for testing after two family dogs and the dogs' owner were exposed to the bat. The dogs are being quarantined and the dog owner is currently undergoing rabies prophylactic treatment.
The Menasha Health Department said it submits about 20 animals a year for testing following potential exposure from a wild animal to a family pet. The majority of these samples are bats. The health department says It has been at least 6 years since the last sample that was submitted was positive for rabies.
In the past ten years, the health department says animals reported with rabies in Wisconsin include bats, skunks, a cow, a cat, a dog and a fox. Bats and skunks are the most commonly reported animal with rabies in Wisconsin and can expose domestic animals and people.
To protect yourself and your pet from rabies, the Menasha Health Department recomends the following:
Vaccinate dogs, cats, ferrets and other animals against rabies and check to make sure their vaccines are up to date.
· Do not keep wild or exotic animals as pets
· Do not handle wild animals
· Teach your children to never handle wild or unfamiliar animals
· Prevent bats from entering your home by sealing cracks and gaps especially near the roof.
· If you or a family member gets bitten or scratched, wash the wound immediately with liberal amounts of soap and water and report to your physician, urgent care, and emergency room as soon as possible. Report to the Menasha Police Department if the exposure involved your dog or cat. Any exposure or possible exposure should be discussed with the Menasha Health Department as soon as possible following the incident.
· If your pet has been in a fight with, or is found with a bat please contact your veterinarian and the Menasha Health Department immediately.
