Hot Springs Animal Services recently received confirmation this afternoon of a positive rabies test on a bat submitted to the state health laboratory. The bat was collected and brought to Hot Springs Animal Services by the mother after her 11-year-old daughter was bitten by the bat.
The girl and her mother were visiting Blakely Dam when the girl noticed a bat lying on a rock. She picked it up and threw it in the lake, but not before the bat bit her. The bat swam back to shore, and the mother decided to turn the bat in for testing. The victim’s mother has been notified by the state health department of the result, which represents the first reported positive rabies case to date this year in Garland County.
Pet owners are reminded to vaccinate all dogs and cats at least four months old against rabies. Any daytime activity by nocturnal creatures such as skunks or bats is unusual. Residents are urged not to approach the animal and to contact Animal Services immediately at 262-2091.