Rabies-Infected Bat Found At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

ESCONDIDO, CA — A wild bat found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park tested positive for rabies, prompting county health officials to ask anyone who may have had contact with the animal to come forward.

The deceased bat was found at 12:10 p.m. Saturday at the Oasis on the Rocks restaurant at the Escondido-based park. The animal was collected by a trained Safari Park employee. No human contact with the bat has been reported.

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The bat was not part of the park's animal collection. It was sent to the San Diego County Public Health Laboratory on Monday, where testing confirmed it had rabies.

Anyone who touched the bat, or knows someone who may have, was urged to call County Public Health Services at 619-692-8499. Officials said only people who had direct contact with the animal are considered at risk.

The bat is the 19th to test positive for rabies this year in the county. In 2025, 21 bats tested positive.

"Rabies is an extremely serious viral disease, one of the deadliest, with nearly 100% fatality if not caught early enough," said Dr. Ankita Kadakia, the county's deputy public health officer. "We are investigating to ensure anyone who came into contact with the bat receives care quickly. Once symptoms start there is no treatment for rabies."

Health officials reminded residents not to touch bats or other wildlife. Anyone who has direct contact with a bat should wash the area with soap and seek medical advice.

Rabies symptoms can take weeks or months to appear, but treatment is highly effective when started before symptoms begin. Once symptoms develop, the disease is almost always fatal, officials said.