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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, TX – Recently there have been four (4) bats test positive for rabies, therefore, the City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) wants to remind the public to make sure their pets up to date with all their vaccinations, in particular the rabies vaccine. We advise not to play with wildlife. Never play and/or touch bats. 

Rabies is a viral disease that most often is deadly. It is a progressive disease that affects the nervous system and is transmitted by saliva from a bite or scratch of an infected animal. In our area, it can be carried by the coyote or bat. Symptoms vary but can have headache, fever, “apprehension”, numbness at bite site, excitability, spasms, hydrophobia (fear of water). This can progress to delirium, convulsions, some have paralysis of limbs and respiratory muscles, coma and death. While we have not had a human case for decades and no positive pets in over five years, the threat exists and the best weapon we have against this disease and has been the major cause of prevention is ——Rabies Vaccination for pets!   

Therefore we want to remind the public to vaccinate their pets and have them under a veterinarians care. We also encourage our community to “bat proof” buildings and homes.

General Rabies Precautions:

·         Never play with wildlife, especially if injured, sick or stray. Do not feed wild animals.

• Never play or touch a bat, whether it is alive or dead.      
• Bats should be left alone. If found, they should be reported immediately to Animal Control at (956) 795-4902 or 311. Do not touch bats, whether it is alive or dead.

·         Prevent bats from entering your home or other buildings by “Bat-proofing” areas. Cover all holes and open spaces by putting mesh on drains and gutters to reduce risks of entry. Fix roofs.  DO NOT disturb bats and use a licensed pest control company, if needed.

·         Have all pets and large livestock up to date with rabies vaccinations regardless if they are inside.

Potential exposure to rabies includes: 

• A person comes into contact with wildlife and gets bitten or scratched.
• A child or adult touches a bat that is dead or alive, or a bat is found near an infant or toddler.
• A bat flies into a person and touches bare skin.
• A person steps on a bat with bare feet.
• A person awakens to find a bat in the room.
• A person puts their hand in firewood, brush, a crevice, or a dark space (i.e. a closet), experiences pain, then sees a bat.

If any animal bites you, quickly and thoroughly wash the bite with soap and water.  See a doctor for appropriate wound care and to assess rabies treatment and tetanus protection. Advise children that if any animal bites them they should get help right away from their parents or other adult and report it immediately to Animal Control.  

Furthermore we want to remind the public that all pets are required by City Ordinance to be vaccinated (3 months and older; or check with your veterinarian), either at their veterinarian’s office or at the Health Department (Laredo Animal Care Facility).  Pets also need to be registered with a microchip and be under the care of a veterinarian.