Leaf-nosed bat in flight. Courtesy/Britannica 

DOH News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) advises residents not to touch unknown animals or wildlife in distress, but rather report the incident to local animal control services for proper care or action.

The DOH this month has received increasing reports of people coming into contact with bats. Because of high temperatures and lack of water, bats can have the tendency to fall on the ground from their perches where the nocturnal animals normally hang during daylight. Reaction to extreme heat can cause bats to seem ill and display unusual behavior.

“If you see a sick or dead bat, don’t touch it,” DOH Cabinet Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins said. “You might think you’re doing the kind thing by trying to help an animal, but if that animal bites or scratches you, you could put yourself at risk for rabies. Dead animals can also pose risk for rabies if improperly handled.”

Rabies is a viral disease usually transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system; ultimately causing disease in the brain and death.

Most bats do not carry rabies, but anyone who may have been bitten or scratched by a bat should consult with their healthcare provider and the DOH to evaluate whether they need rabies vaccination. 

Parents are encouraged to teach children not to touch strange animals, and to tell an adult if they see one. 

Two bats from Torrance County have tested positive for rabies in New Mexico in 2021. In 2020, nine bats tested positive for rabies in Bernalillo, Colfax, Doña Ana, Luna, Socorro and Valencia Counties.

Additional tips to protect you and your family from rabies:

• Always keep pets on a leash when outdoors. Pets should be up to date on rabies vaccinations and wearing current license tags on their collar. If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, call your pet’s veterinarian, even if the wound appears very minor.
• Horses and other livestock should be considered for rabies vaccination to protect them from rabid animals that may attack them.
• Stay away from wild or unfamiliar animals. This includes animals who are acting sick, fearless, aggressive or even friendly. Do not attempt to feed, approach, or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach this important message to your children.
• If you or a loved-one are bitten by an animal, or come into contact with an animal’s saliva, wash the exposed site immediately with soap and water. Be sure to report the bite immediately to local animal control, seek medical care, and call the DOH (24/7) at 505.827.0006 to determine if rabies exposure protective vaccination is necessary.

For more information visit the Rabies section of our website, NMHealth.org.