Lane County Public Health officials said the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University confirmed a rabies-infected bat was found in Lane County. This is the third bat found in Lane County to test positive for rabies in 2026.
“All pet owners should make certain their dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies. When our pets are protected from rabies, it provides a buffer zone of immune animals between humans and rabid wild animals, such as bats,” said Dr. Emilio DeBess, State Public Health Veterinarian.
While bats help control insect populations, including mosquitoes, they are the primary reservoir of rabies in our wild animal communities. So far this year 13 bats have tested positive for rabies in Oregon.
Lane County residents and veterinarians should be aware that other animals could be exposed to the rabies virus and should, therefore, be alert to potential signs of the disease.
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of humans and mammals. It is almost 100% fatal once symptoms begin. The virus is carried in the saliva of an infected animal; transmission can occur when that animal bites, or in rare instances, scratches another animal or person. If bitten by a bat, the wound should be immediately cleaned with soap.
