Dead bats found in Okeechobee being tested for rabies

Posted 8/24/21

On Tuesday, Aug.17, FDOH-Okeechobee was notified that there were several dead bats located at a busy shopping center. After confirming with Florida Fish and...

You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.


Already have an account? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor

Dead bats found in Okeechobee being tested for rabies

Posted

OKEECHOBEE — On Tuesday, Aug.17, Florida Department of Health-Okeechobee was notified that there were several dead bats located at a busy shopping center. After confirming with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the shopping center employee, that the dead bats were confirmed and being properly disposed of, we proceeded to get the information of the owner of the shopping center. FWC officers and FWC research lab team members collected the dead bats to process for possible cause of death.

Rabies Prevention
• Avoid direct human and domestic animal contact with animals.
• Have your veterinarian vaccinate pets and at-risk livestock, make sure you follow your veterinarians instructions for revaccination.
• Do not allow your pets to run free. Follow leash laws by keeping pets and livestock secured on your property.

• Never feed wild or stray animals - avoid attracting them outdoors food sources. Feed your pets indoors.
• If your animal is attacked by a wild, stray or unvaccinated animal, DO NOT examine your pet for injuries without wearing gloves. DO wash your pet with soap and water to remove saliva from the attacking animal. DO NOT let your animal come into contact with other animals or people until the situation can be handled by animal control or county health department staff.

• Educate the public to reduce contact with stray and feral animals.
• Support animal control in efforts to reduce feral and stray animal populations.
Provide pre-exposure prophylaxis for people in high-risk professions, such as animal control and veterinary personnel, laboratory workers, and those working with wildlife.

• Bat-proof homes.

If you have handled a bat, come in contact, or taken a bat from any Okeechobee County shopping areas, please contact The Florida Dept of Health in Okeechobee County, at 863-462-5800 or come into the health department at 1728 N.W. Ninth Ave. in Okeechobee.

Disease Control & Health Prevention of Rabies is part of FDOH-Okeechobee’s Strategic Plan and aligns with the State Strategic Plan.

FDOH, rabies, bats, pets, feral animals

Comments

x