A distressing incident occurred in Spokane County last week as a rabid bat attacked a household cat. This marks the county’s first reported rabies case this year.
Following swift veterinary intervention, the affected cat is now in isolation and will remain under careful observation for a period of 45 days. The Spokane Regional Health District issued a news release detailing the situation.
Rabies, a lethal virus targeting the central nervous system, can affect various mammals, though in Washington state, bats are most commonly associated with the disease. Unlike other regions where raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes are rabies carriers, bats are the primary carriers in Washington.
The Washington State Department of Health has officially confirmed the rabies presence in the bat. This incident marks the eighth instance of rabies among bats in the state during this year.
Owners of dogs, cats, and ferrets are legally required to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies. Annually, approximately 400 to 600 animals undergo rabies testing in Washington, with bats comprising the majority of cases, as reported by the Department of Health. The last documented case of rabies transmission from a creature other than a bat in Washington dates back to 2015, when a cat contracted the virus after being bitten by a bat. Remarkably, nearly three decades have passed since a human in Washington contracted rabies.
As bats are most active during the night, the health district advises pet owners to bring their animals indoors overnight, keep doors and windows shut (unless screened), and ensure pet doors are closed to prevent potential interactions with bats.
