Bats are a benefit outdoors because they eat thousands of insects each night. But, they pose problems when are found inside homes. (Photo www.CDC.gov)

Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) reminds pet owners it is important to keep pets up to date on rabies vaccinations as animal control officers are responding to a record number of calls to remove bats.

This time of year, residents may encounter bats inside their homes more frequently. Normally, they won’t bother people but they can begin to fly about if disturbed. PCAPS will respond at any time to impound a bat found inside a home in Peoria County.

Pets may also come in contact with bats, or even kill them, potentially exposing the pet to rabies. Bats, like all mammals, can carry rabies. Therefore, it is helpful to remember the following points:

1.      If you see a bat in your home, leave the room and close the door if possible. Place a towel under the door to block its escape and call PCAPS at 672-2440 or Emergency Communications Center at 674-3131. Do not kill the bat.
2.      Do not touch or handle the bat in any way. Keep dogs, cats, and other pets away from the bat.
3.      Notify the Animal Control Officer if you suspect you or another household member has been exposed. Was someone bitten? Was the bat found in the room with a sleeping baby or small child? Was the bat caught or killed by a pet?
4.      If you find a dead bat in your home, place it in a plastic bag and put it in the refrigerator or a cooler with ice. This allows the animal to be tested for rabies at a laboratory.
5.      Bats can see just fine and can slip through an opening just 3/8″ wide.
6.      Bats are very desirable outdoors because they eat thousands of insects each night.

Residents can protect family members and pets by keeping the rabies vaccines current on their dog or cat.

Even if a pet lives indoors, don’t skip the rabies vaccine. In several cases throughout the state, pets have captured and/or killed bats inside the home – bats that tested positive for rabies. In the cases where the pet’s vaccine was current, officials allowed the pet to be quarantined.

When the pets’ vaccines had expired or they had never been vaccinated, owners were required to have the pet euthanized. Without vaccines, the exposed pet presents too much risk to its own family.

Residents should call their veterinarian for information on vaccine protocols. For information about rabies prevention and local ordinances, contact PCAPS at (309) 672-2440.

— Peoria County animal services getting record number of bat calls —