A bat found in the Livingston Manor area has tested positive for rabies, according to the Sullivan County Department of Public Health.

The county says the case represents its first confirmed human exposure this year involving an animal that tested positive for the rabies virus. The department notes that only animals that can be tested after contact with a person are included in that count.

Rabies is found throughout New York state, particularly among wild animals including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks and woodchucks. The disease is fatal if it is not promptly treated, according to the county.

Signs of rabies in wild animals includes:

•          Aggressive, uncharacteristic behavior, such as attacking objects or people

•          Losing fear of humans (acting uncharacteristically friendly)

•          Difficulty walking or staggering

•          Paralysis of the legs or jaw, loss of coordination

•          Difficulty swallowing and a fear of water

•          Drooling or foaming at the mouth.

Health officials are urging residents to avoid contact with wild animals and to make sure dogs, cats and ferrets are current on their rabies vaccinations. Pets that are too young to be vaccinated should be kept indoors, the department said.

The county also advises residents not to feed or handle wild animals or stray dogs and cats, and to keep garbage, pet food and bird seed secured. Openings around attics, basements, porches and garages should be sealed, and chimneys should have screens.

Bats can enter buildings through openings as small as a pencil, the county said. Because bats have small, sharp teeth, people may not always realize they have been bitten.

Anyone bitten by an animal should seek medical treatment and report contact with wild animals to the Sullivan County Department of Public Health at 845-292-5910. Residents should also contact the department about potential rabies exposures.

The county’s next regularly scheduled rabies vaccination clinic for dogs, cats and ferrets is Sept. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Narrowsburg Fire House. Pre-registration is requested by calling 845-292-5910.

The Department of Public Health is also working to arrange another vaccination clinic in the Town of Rockland area.