Deschutes County Health Services reminded residents to take necessary precautions to protect people and pets from rabies:.
"There are two things people can do to protect themselves and their pets from rabies," said Emilio DeBess, public health veterinarian for the Oregon Health Authority."Never handle bats, and make sure your cats and dogs are up to date on their rabies vaccines." .
“We get usually a lot of positive animals during the summertime, starting somewhere in March or April.†DeBess said.Dogs, cats and ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies at three to six months of age.
Under Oregon law, dogs and cats or ferrets that do not have current vaccinations and are suspected of exposure to rabies must be euthanized or placed under strict quarantine for four months. ?
Quinn said her cats are currently quarantining at home since they handled the bat?If a person or pet is bitten by a bat, promptly report it to Deschutes County Environmental Health at (541) 317-3114 and report the bite to your medical provider.