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Deceased bat tests positive for rabies in Copperas Cove

bats
Posted at 4:50 PM, Apr 06, 2021
and last updated 2021-04-06 17:50:33-04

COPPERAS COVE, TX — A deceased bat found in Copperas Cove tested positive for rabies.

On April 2, 2021, a Copperas Cove Animal Control Officer was dispatched to the area of Crenshaw Circle, Copperas Cove for a deceased bat.

The bat was collected and sent for rabies testing at the Texas Department of Health Laboratory, Austin Texas.

On April 6, 2021, Copperas Cove Animal Control received notification from the Texas Department of Health that the bat was infected with rabies.

Any citizen who believes they, or their pet, or has knowledge of a person or animal having any contact with a bat, or other wild animal in this area should immediately contact Copperas Cove Animal Control at (254) 547-5584 (after hours contact the Copperas Cove Police Department at (254) 547-8222).

Copperas Cove Animal Control also said to contact your physician and/or veterinarian in the case of a possible animal exposure.

Rabies infection is most common in bats, coyotes, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

According to animal control, signs of rabies infection in a human may include, but are not limited to fever, headaches, fatigue, respiration difficulties, possible paralysis or hyperactivity, and/or coma.

Signs of rabies infection in pets may include fever, chewing at site of infection or bite, erratic behavior, walking aimlessly, general restlessness, skin irritability, sensitivity to light, aggression in animals not normally aggressive, and generally unnatural behavior for that animal.

Citizens are warned not to approach, touch or have any contact with wild animals, and to keep their pets from having contact with wild animals.

"Steps should be taken to safeguard their outside areas by covering garbage cans, not leaving pet food outside, etc," animal control said.

Anyone observing a wild animal acting strangely should contact animal control immediately.