Rabies Activity on the Rise in Montana
Author: MT Department of Public Health and Human Services
Over the previous 2-3 weeks, the MTDPHHS has received an increase both in the number of calls about human-bat interactions and the number of bats that have tested positive for rabies. Bats have special considerations when evaluating a potential rabies exposure, where the nature of the encounter is not always as obvious as a bite from a cat, dog, or other wild animal (see the Montana Rabies Exposure Assessment Tree). Whenever a bat is found inside a home or other structure (tent, camper, cabin, RV, etc.), in order to guide rabies post-exposure prophylaxis recommendations, it’s vital that the bat is captured and kept secure while determining the need for rabies testing.
Capturing a bat is best done with a small box and piece of paper or cardboard as described in the article by MT DPHHS and DOL found here. Once the bat has been contained, contact your local public health department to review if the bat might have potentially exposed a human or domestic animal to rabies, and therefore should be submitted for testing. If testing is indicated, we recommend that a local veterinarian perform the euthanasia humanely and prepare the specimen for shipping to the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MVDL) in Bozeman. Specimens can also be dropped off M-F at the MVDL at the address listed on their rabies testing guidance document. More information from the DOL about rabies is available here. Testing a bat for rabies may eliminate the need for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis following an exposure.
If you have a questions about bats, a human-animal interaction, or rabies, please reach out to your local public health department or contact DPHHS at 406-444-0273 or DOL at 406-444-7323.
