Two bats found on the north side of downtown Georgetown last week have tested positive for rabies, city officials said Thursday.
The bats, which were collected Sept. 7 and Friday, were sent to the Department of State Health Services lab in Austin, where positive rabies virus results were indicated this week, the city said in a news release. It said officials do not believe any people were exposed to rabies from the bats, but that it is important to protect pets by making sure they have a current rabies vaccination.
“Not all sick bats have rabies and not all rabid bats appear sick,” said Kelly Thyssen, animal control officer with the Georgetown Police Department. “If you find a bat, especially if it is inside your home, in an area that a child has access to, in a room with a sleeping person, or if your pet potentially had contact with it, please call us.”
To report a bat or other animal that you believe may have rabies, call the 24-hour number for the Georgetown police at (512) 930-3510.
The Georgetown Animal Shelter at 110 W.L. Walden Drive is hosting a low-cost vaccine clinic Sept. 24. Contact the shelter at (512) 930-3592 to make an appointment.Austin Statesman
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