© 2024 Boise State Public Radio
NPR in Idaho
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Apple's latest iOS (17.4) is preventing our livestreams from playing. We suggest you download the free Boise State Public Radio app & stream us there while we work to troubleshoot the issue.

Cat Drags Rabid Bat Home In Eagle

Dave Thomas
/
Flickr Creative Commons

A rabid bat found in Eagle is the first case of the virus in Ada County this year.

The Eagle area homeowner didn’t have any contact with the rabid bat, which state health officials say was brought inside by the family cat. Spokeswoman Christine Myron says the cat was up-to-date on its rabies vaccines and is expected to be fine.

Bats are the most common carrier of the deadly virus in Idaho. Last year, 20 of the flying mammals tested positive for rabies – 11 in Ada County alone.

Without medical treatment, rabies is nearly 100 percent fatal in people and in animals. Health officials urge anyone who comes into contact with a bat to see immediately see a doctor.

If you do encounter a bat, don’t touch it with your bare hands. Save the bat in a container so it can be tested for rabies and vaccinate your pets against the virus.

You can also bat-proof your home or cabin by plugging any holes in the siding and keeping tight-fitting screens on any windows.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.

For more local news, follow James Dawson on Twitter @RadioDawson

Copyright 2017 Boise State Public Radio

I cover politics and a bit of everything else for Boise State Public Radio. Outside of public meetings, you can find me fly fishing, making cool things out of leather or watching the Seattle Mariners' latest rebuilding season. If you have a tip, please get in touch!

You make stories like this possible.

The biggest portion of Boise State Public Radio's funding comes from readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

Your donation today helps make our local reporting free for our entire community.