Wareham officials confirm rabies found in bat

Aug 30, 2018

The Wareham Department of Natural Resources confirmed the town’s first rabies case of the year in a bat found near Crooked River Road.

According to a press release, a resident reported a live bat in a yard on Tuesday, Aug. 28. Wareham Department of Natural Resources officials captured the bat and sent it to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health for testing.

On Thursday, Aug. 30, local officials were notified the bat tested positive for rabies, a potentially fatal disease transmitted through the saliva of infected animals.

Officials asked residents to take precautions.

“We urge everyone to make sure your pets are up to date with their rabies vaccine and tagged accordingly. If you are in doubt, check with your veterinarian,” officials said.

Residents who suspect a bat or other animal is “acting in a sickly fashion” are encouraged to call the Wareham Department of Natural Resources at 508-291-3100 ext. 3180 of the Wareham Police Department at 508-295-1212.