Orange County Animal Services has reported a positive rabies test on a bat found in Hillsborough. A release from OCAS says the incident occurred on Thursday, November 7 near the intersection of Arbor Lane and New Grady Brown School Road, just west of Cedar Ridge High School. According to the release, a person came into contact with a deceased bat on their property and reported the case to animal control, which retrieved the bat for testing. The condition of the person was not reported.

There have been eight reports of rabid animals in Orange County in 2024, five of which have come since the month of September.

Orange County Animal Services said while it is more common to encounter wildlife with rabies, any mammal — like bats — can carry the fatal viral infection. As a result, it is required for any domesticated dogs or cats to have updated rabies vaccines, and Animal Control urges residents to be cautious whenever interacting with unfamiliar animals or wildlife outdoors.

Orange County Animal Services hosts periodic low-cost rabies vaccination clinics for domesticated dogs and cats. For more information on clinics and future dates, visit the county government’s website. Additional rabies resources from Orange County can be found here.

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