Bats and Rabies: Facts vs. Myths

Michigan Bat Removal Services – CMC Animal Control (248) 904-5162

If you are in need of top rated Michigan Bat Removal Services, please contact CMC Animal Control at (248) 904-5162 for immediate assistance. Click here to learn more about us or Follow Us on Facebook

bia2When dealing with bats in your home or on your property, always keep in mind that professional bat removal services for your home are the best way to handle the situation. Bats have a bad reputation because they are known carriers of rabies, and can transmit the disease to humans. However, many aren’t aware of how much of what is said about bats and rabies is true and how much is not. That is why the following will explain some common fallacies and facts about rabies and bats.

BAT REMOVAL: FALLACIES & FACTS 

Keep in mind that bat infestations in your home are a serious matter and that you need to treat the problem accordingly. Professional bat removal services are the best and safest way to deal with the problem, though it is always a good idea to stay informed about what is actually dangerous and what is not.

Rabies infected bats are able to transmit rabies through a bite

BATS INFECT MORE HUMANS IN THE U.S. WITH RABIES THAN ANY OTHER ANIMAL 

TRUE : During the last 25 years, bat rabies has been implicated in most human rabies cases acquired domestically in the U.S. There are many reasons for this, but the most important one is that people tend to handle North American bats unwisely as they typically appear harmless due to their small size. Another reason for this has to do with people who have suffered bites not seeking medical treatment right away. Bats should never be rescued barehanded as any bat that is grounded is more likely to be sick.

HEALTH AGENCIES AND THE MEDIA ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT RABIES AND BATS 

 FALSE : Many incidents that involve bats are distorted to the point where they are difficult to take seriously. This causes people to overreact in ways that increase the risk of contracting rabies. For example, trying to remove bats from buildings by using inappropriate methods or illegally poisoning them increases human contact, and increases exposure to rabies. There are many educated health officials and members of the media who provide factual information about rabies and bats. However, don’t believe everything you hear on the news.

JUST BEING NEAR A BAT IS ENOUGH TO CATCH RABIES 

FALSE : A bite is how 99 percent of rabies gets transmitted, which is exactly why you need to start thinking about bat removal options if you have a bat infestation in your home. Other ways of contracting rabies include contacting through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose or eyes, nervous tissues, open wounds or even infected saliva. There is no evidence of airborne transmission in buildings, and the rabies virus has never been isolated from bat feces, urine or blood.

ALL BATS CARRY RABIES 

FALSE : Generally speaking, bats actually contract rabies far less than other animals. When talking about numbers, less than a half of 1% of all bats may contract the disease. Other animals that can contract rabies include livestock, cats, dogs, coyotes, raccoons, skunks and even foxes. Please keep in mind that this does not mean you do not need professional bat removal services as it is in your best interest to avoid direct contact with bats, rabies or not.

For experienced and trusted Michigan Bat Removal Services, call CMC Animal Control at (248) 904-5162.

source: skedaddlewildlife.com