Humane Wildlife Control gives presentation in Stratford on dangers of bats

May 17, 2006

Humane Wildlife Control was invited on May 17, 2006 by the Perth District Health Unit to make a presentation in Stratford, Ontario on the biology and breeding cycle of bats and how to prevent them from entering your home.

“This presentation is important for the community since rabid animals, including bats, are still being found in Perth County,” says Donna Taylor, Director of Health Protection at the Perth District Health Unit.

In 2005, there were over 75 incidents of potential human exposure to bats and 59 people in Perth County received treatment for rabies due to exposures to bats in their homes. Rabies can spread to people if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. If left untreated, rabies is fatal in humans.

People need to be cautious if a bat enters their home. “If a bat lands on a person, or someone wakes up to a bat in their room, exposure to rabies may have occurred,” says Dan Singleton, Public Health Inspector at the Perth District Health Unit. “Bats have very small, sharp teeth and a person may not be aware that they have been bitten.”

If someone has been exposed to a bat in their home, they should wear heavy gloves and use a small box or can to capture it. The person should contact their doctor, and then call the Health Unit to report the incident. The Health Unit will make arrangements for the bat to be collected and tested for rabies.