MISSOULA, Mont. — Missoula Animal Services has reported that two bats have tested positive for rabies in the Missoula area, prompting officials to advise pet owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated against the disease.

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While bats are the primary carriers of rabies in Missoula County, unvaccinated cats, dogs, and stray animals also pose a risk of spreading the virus. Residents are urged not to handle or touch bats. Anyone bitten by a bat should seek immediate medical attention and report the incident to the Missoula Public Health Infectious Disease Department at 406-258-3896. Reports of pet exposures can be made to Missoula Animal Services at 406-541-7387.

Rabies is a serious disease that affects the brain and nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. However, it is preventable through prompt medical treatment following exposure and by keeping pets vaccinated.

To ensure safety if a bat is encountered, residents should:

- Avoid touching or handling bats, whether alive or dead.

- Seek medical care if there is any contact with a bat, as bites can be small and difficult to detect.

- If a bat is found indoors or behaving unusually in public, contact Animal Services at 406-541-7387.

Holli Hargrove, Animal Services Manager, emphasized the importance of public awareness regarding rabies following these recent positive tests. "While human rabies exposure is incredibly rare, we want to ensure that people are informed about how to respond if they encounter a bat, whether indoors or outside," she said.

For more information about rabies and safety guidelines, residents can visit the Missoula Public Health website.