Fresno County, CA – The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) is advising residents of Fresno and Reedley that bats found within both communities have tested positive for rabies. The deceased bat found in Reedley may have been in contact with several feral cats before being secured and sent for testing. While no known human exposures have been reported at this time, residents are urged to take necessary precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), rabies is a preventable viral disease of mammals, most often transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Rabies is fatal to humans if medical treatment is not received before symptoms appear. Early symptoms can resemble the flu, including weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache. Discomfort, prickling, or itching may also occur at the bite site. If you are bitten by a wild or domestic animal, seek immediate medical attention by contacting your healthcare provider or local clinic.
Rabies is a serious but preventable disease. Public awareness and caution are crucial for community safety.
Recommended precautions to keep your pets and family safe:
- Avoid contact with wildanimals: Do not approach bats, raccoons, or any unfamiliar wildlife.
- Ensure pet vaccinations are current. Contact your veterinarian to confirm your pet’s vaccination status.
- Secure your home: Inspect your home for openings where bats or other wildlife could enter and seal any gaps.
- Report unusual animal behavior: If you encounter a sick or dead stray cat within the next 10 days, or if you observe a bat or other wild animal acting strangely (e.g., daytime activity, aggression, difficulty moving), contact your local animal control.
If you or your pet had any potential contact with a bat, please call the FCDPH Environmental Health Division at (559) 600-3357 immediately for guidance. For City of Reedley animal control please contact police dispatch at (559) 638-2122.
For more information on rabies, please visit the CDC rabies website:
To report an animal bite, please submit a bite report through the link provided on the FCDPH website under Rabies and Animal Control:
This is also an important reminder to vaccinate your pets. Rabies vaccines are available through local veterinarians, clinics, and pet stores. A low-cost vaccine option is also available through the Central Valley Spay and Neuter program (www.CVFix.org).
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
