1 Percent of Bats Carry Rabies, Protect Yourself and Your Home

Bats can be found in areas throughout the state. You may think you see birds around dusk but it’s more likely that they are bats searching for bugs to eat, especially if your home is near a water source. According to Eric Wohlers, the Environmental Health Director at the Cattaraugus County Health Department keeping bats out of your home is a good first step to protect yourself against rabies. On average, 1% of bats are infected with rabies. He also added that it’s important to get pets vaccinated against rabies even if they don’t go outside.