Bat Killed by Tolland Homeowner Tests Positive for Rabies

TOLLAND, CT — A bat killed inside a Tolland home last week because the homeowner termed it behaving "strangely" has tested positive for rabies, authorities said on Tuesday.

The bat call came on Sept. 13. The homeowner killed the bat and notified Tolland Animal Control officers, who took the bat to the state Department of Health laboratory for testing, authorities said.

The Department of Health confirmed that the bat tested positive for rabies, authorities said.

Public safety chief John Littell said the family that was exposed by "proximity" and is undergoing preventive rabies treatment.

The family dog was also exposed but had been vaccinated and will only need a booster shot, he said.

Littell said preventive rabies treatment is particularly important when it comes to bats, because their teeth are so small it can be impossible to see any bite marks.

"Any bat found inside your home and acting odd, or found near a pet, or found near an inaudible or sleeping person, should be tested," he said. "Rabies is a fatal disease, spread by the saliva of an infected animal, which attacks the brain and spinal cord. Early treatment can prevent rabies in pets and people however, left untreated symptoms may take several weeks or months to appear."

Rabies is common among wild animals like raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes, but any mammal can be infected with rabies, Littell said. Pets and livestock can also be infected with rabies if they are not vaccinated, he added.

"The best way to keep pets safe from rabies is to vaccinate them and keep their shots up to date," Littell said.

Anyone encountering a bat inside a home can contact Tolland Animal Control at 860-871-3676.

Patch File Photo