Bat Found In Golden Tests Positive For Rabies

GOLDEN, CO — A bat found in Golden has tested positive for rabies, Jefferson County Public Health said. The rabid bat was found west of I-70 near 20th Avenue on July 22, health officials said.

Anyone who may have come in contact with the bat is asked to call their medical provider as soon as possible, officials said.

Jefferson County Public Health offers the following tips for preventing the spread of rabies:

• Avoid all contact with wild or stray animals, including skunks and bats
• Vaccinate all cats, dogs, ferrets and valuable livestock.
• Don't let your pets roam free.
• Contact animal control if you find a dead bat or skunk, if you find a bat or skunk behaving strangely or if you or your pet are bitten by any animal.
• Wear gloves to clean up your pet after a wild animal encounter.
• If bitten or scratched by a pet or wild animal, wash wounds with soap and water and call your doctor.

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