Bat Tested Positive for Rabies: Found in Douglas County

East Wenatchee, WA – Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD) confirms by laboratory testing, that a bat found in Douglas County has tested positive for rabies.

CDHD was notified by a resident of Douglas County of a pet-only exposure to a bat. In accordance with WAC 246-100-197 CDHD staff advised the family to seek veterinarian care for their two canines and to remit the bat for rabies testing. The bat was submitted to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL) for confirmatory testing and was confirmed positive by Washington State Department of Health (DOH) on August 16, 2023. This is the first rabid bat reported in Douglas county and the second in the two county area in 2023.

The two canines exposed were up-to-date with their Rabies vaccinations and received immediate revaccination post exposure with a USDA-licensed rabies vaccine by their veterinarian. Both animals have received veterinary care, are under the owner’s control and will be closely observed for any signs of illness over the next 45 days.

It is required by Washington State Law (WAC 246-100-197) to vaccinate your pets with the rabies vaccine. Contact your local veterinarian if you believe your pet was in contact with a bat.

Here are a few things you can do to protect your pet from rabies:

• Keep rabies vaccinations up-to-date

• Directly supervise your pets when outdoors

• Keep stray animals who may be unvaccinated away

Contact your local health jurisdiction (CDHD if you reside in Chelan or Douglas Counties) if you or your pets have had direct contact with a bat. Your local health jurisdiction can help determine potential exposure and if the bat should be tested for rabies. More information can be found here.

For more public health updates, visit www.cdhd.wa.gov and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.