Another bat has tested positive for rabies in Sullivan County, prompting public health officials to remind residents to use caution around bats and other wildlife.

The Sullivan County Department of Public Health says the bat was found in the Grahamsville area of the Town of Neversink.

It marks the second laboratory-confirmed rabid animal associated with a potential human exposure in Sullivan County this year. Officials stressed that the number only includes animals that were available for testing following an incident involving a person and does not represent the total amount of rabies circulating among wildlife in the county.

Officials Urge Caution Around Bats

Public Health officials say bat encounters require special attention because bites and scratches can sometimes be difficult to detect due to the animal’s small teeth.

Anyone who has direct contact with a bat, wakes up to find a bat in the room where they were sleeping, or encounters a bat under circumstances where contact cannot reliably be ruled out should contact Sullivan County Public Health for guidance.

Residents should not attempt to catch bats with their bare hands. If a bat can be safely contained without direct contact, officials advise residents not to release it until speaking with Public Health. Testing the animal can help determine whether rabies post-exposure treatment is necessary.

Anyone who has been bitten, scratched or may have come into contact with a potentially rabid animal should thoroughly wash the affected area with soap and water and contact Sullivan County Public Health at 845-292-5910.

Rabies Present in New York Wildlife

Rabies occurs throughout New York State and is most commonly found in wild mammals including bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.

Animals infected with rabies may act aggressively or unusually, lose their normal fear of people, stagger, have difficulty walking or swallowing, become partially paralyzed or drool excessively. However, health officials warn that an animal does not have to appear sick or aggressive to carry rabies.

Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary contact with wildlife and teach children not to approach or touch wild or unfamiliar animals.

Pet owners should also keep dogs, cats and ferrets up to date on rabies vaccinations, supervise pets outdoors and prevent them from interacting with wildlife.

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics

Sullivan County Public Health says it is working to schedule an additional free rabies vaccination clinic in the Town of Neversink area.

Two other free clinics are already scheduled:

• September 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Narrowsburg Fire House.
• September 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Livingston Manor Fire Department.

Pre-registration is requested by calling 845-292-5910.

For additional information about rabies or a possible exposure, residents can contact the Sullivan County Department of Public Health at 845-292-5910.