Residents in West Michigan are being told to step up their vigilance around our winged nocturnal neighbors after a bat in Kent County tested positive for rabies, the first case of the year, according to local health officials. In an announcement made on Thursday by the Kent County Health Department, which was reported by WOODTV, officials emphasized the need for cautionary measures, especially during the fall when bats seek shelter for the winter, which can lead them to take up residence in homes or businesses.
Communicable Disease Program Supervisor Cathy Armstrong detailed the best practices if a bat enters your living space, stating, “If it’s unclear whether a person or pet may have had direct contact with a bat, testing the bat is the best way to rule out any risk of rabies exposure.” As per WOODTV, capturing a bat requires wearing gloves, pants, and long sleeves, and using a container and cardboard. The health department's number for risk assessment advice is 616.632.7228, and if needed, testing procedures at the local animal shelter will follow.
The concerns around rabies exposure are not insignificant; as of this year, Michigan has reported 32 cases of rabies-positive animals, including several other bats in counties across the state, according to the Kent County Health Department, as mentioned in a report by CBS News. Rabies is a preventable but deadly disease that can spread to humans and pets through a bite or scratch from an infected animal.
Moreover, the Kent County Animal Shelter Director, Angela Hollinshead, highlighted an often overlooked concern, telling WWMT, “Even indoor cats and dogs can be at risk if a bat enters the home.” She underscored the importance of maintaining up-to-date rabies vaccinations for household pets as a frontline defense. In light of the recent case and with five years of previous data showing 15 rabies-positive animals in Kent County—which included two last year—the community is being advised to secure their homes against wildlife and to avoid touching or keeping wild animals as pets.
