1st Case of Bat Rabies :Hamilton

[MikePal]

Haven't seen many bats around here, but then again they usually come out at dusk and I'm in bed by then

The city has found its first rabid bat of 2016, marking 121 rabid animals found in the area this year.

"Nearly all human cases of rabies in Canada over the past several years have been a result of bites from rabid bats," the city said in a news release. "Bat bites may be hard to see."
As of July 14 of this year, testing has found 72 rabid raccoons, 48 rabid skunks and now, one bat. Two rabid bats were found last year, compared to one in 2013 and none in 2012.
"While residents should always steer clear of wild animals, Hamilton has a high number of rabid raccoons and skunks, and the highest amount for Ontario," said Richard MacDonald, the program manager for Public Health Services in a statement.
"We need people to stay away from wildlife, in particular raccoons, skunks, bats, and unknown dogs and cats. Our overall goal is to prevent human cases of rabies — as rabies is almost always fatal."

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilt...bies-1.3680542