A bat in Cascade County tested positive for rabies, and health officials are reminding locals to be aware of the risk for rabies exposure.

On Aug. 28, the Cascade City-County Health Department confirmed the positive rabies test.

Trisha Gardner, county health officer, told The Electric that the bat was found near a local pet cat and there was concern that the cat had killed the bat, or otherwise been scratched or bitten by the bat.

Pets can become infected by biting bats, she said.

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The cat owner took the vaccinated cat to the vet for a rabies booster shot and also brought the bat, which the vet sent off for testing, Gardner said.

Pets can only be tested for rabies post-mortem, which means after the animal has died.

Gardner said that in incidents involving pets and bats, they check the pet’s vaccination status to determine next steps.

If the animal is vaccinated, no further action is typically needed.

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If an animal is not vaccinated, health officials may quarantine or euthanize it, depending on the circumstances.

Gardner said it’s difficult to see bat bites on humans, and even more difficult to see bat bites or scratches on animals.

Rabies is a fatal disease.

The rabies virus is carried in the saliva of infected warm-blooded mammals and is usually transmitted to people and other animals through a bite.

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Human rabies deaths in the U.S. are rare, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and average one to two deaths per year since the 1990s.

Preventive treatment for rabies is nearly 100 percent successful; the last identified human death in Montana occurred in 1997.

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Rabies is preventable and CCHD recommends following these tips:

• do not feed or handle wild animals, especially bats. Bats and skunks are the most likely carriers of the rabies virus in Montana and should be completely avoided. Bats are especially concerning because their teeth are so small that a bite may not be noticeable.
• avoid animal bites from domestic animals. Never approach an animal at large and always ask the owner’s permission before petting an animal. Another common source of bite exposures is attempting to help a sick or injured wild animal.
• vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies. Cats are especially susceptible to rabies, and all dogs and cats should have a current rabies certificate. If pets have not been vaccinated and are potentially exposed to rabies, they could be put down.
• bat-proof your house. Bats must not be allowed in living areas of your home. Put screens on all windows, doors, and chimneys to prevent bat entry.
• know what to do if you catch a suspected animal: if you do catch a bat, or other animal suspected of having rabies, do your best not to damage the head. The brain is needed for the rabies test.
• know what to do if there’s a bite. If someone is bitten by a domestic dog, cat, or ferret, the animal can be observed for signs of rabies, almost always avoiding the need for treatment. If you are bitten by an animal that cannot be located, observed, or tested, a person may need to undergo a series of shots to prevent rabies. If you are bitten, call a health provider or CCHD immediately.