On Thursday, May 9, the State Public Health Lab confirmed a case of rabies found in a bat in Lincoln County. This is the first report of rabies in 2024 in Lincoln County.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 10, 2024
Lincoln County Positive Rabies Case
(Lincolnton) On Thursday, May 9, the State Public Health Lab confirmed a case of rabies found in a bat in Lincoln County. This is the first report of rabies in 2024 in Lincoln County. Animal services took control of a dead bat located in a residence on Monday, May 6 and sent it to the state lab for testing due to the potential for exposure.
Although bats play an important role in our ecosystem, they can also carry diseases. It is best to leave wildlife alone. If a bat is found in a living space/dwelling, or you or your pet potentially had contact with a bat, call Lincoln County Animal Services at (704) 736-4125 to help trap the bat for testing or safely trap the bat yourself. Testing the bat helps public health officials determine whether post-exposure measures are recommended.
Safely trapping a bat for testing (CDC_Rabies_INFO):
- Find a container like a box or a can large enough for the bat to fit in, and a piece of cardboard large enough to cover the container opening. Punch small air holes in the cardboard.
- Put on leather work gloves. When the bat lands, approach it slowly and place the container over it. Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside.
- Tape the cardboard to the container to secure the bat inside and notify animal services.
The public is also reminded to make sure rabies vaccinations are up-to-date for pets and any livestock or horses for whom rabies vaccine is available.
Resources for rabies vaccination:
Lincoln County Animal Services: https://www.lincolncountync.gov/702/Animal-Services
Helping Animals To Survive (HATS): https://www.hatsalive.org/calendar-2/