Because a bat in Mississippi has tested positive for rabies, the Mississippi Board of Animal Health cautions residents against exposure to stray and wild animals.

MBAH was notified by the Mississippi State Department of Health that a bat tested positive for the infectious disease in Tippah County, on the state’s border with Tennessee. Two puppies that were potentially exposed to the bat have been quarantined, per state regulations.

MBAH Director of Companion Animals and Communications Beth Adcock, also a board member of the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League, does not want Lincoln County residents to think they are too far away from the exposure to potentially be at risk. The rabies virus is found in bats in Mississippi, as well as feral and wild animals in bordering states. The disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, or through the contamination of a fresh wound with saliva from an infected animal.

Since 1961, there have been two confirmed rabies cases in Mississippi — in 2005, a 10-year-old child died from the virus, and in 2015 a feral cat tested positive for rabies. In both cases, the virus was transmitted from an infected bat.

“If you are bitten by a potential rabid animal, please contact your healthcare provider,” Adcock said. “Post-exposure prophylaxis treatment is highly effective at preventing rabies in humans.”

To help protect against rabies:

• Do not handle live or dead stray animals, and avoid contact with animals that can carry the rabies virus, such as bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. 

• If you find a sick or dead bat in your home, call MSDH at 601-576-7400 to see if the bat should be tested for rabies. 

• Vaccinate your pets against rabies — Dogs, cats, and ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies at 3 months old, one year later, and every three years afterward, as per state law. The vaccination must be administered under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. 

“Rabies vaccinations are very effective in protecting people and pets from this deadly virus,” said State Veterinarian Jim Watson. “It is key these vaccinations stay up-to-date and for pet owners to follow the rabies vaccination schedule required by law.”

Every person in the state of Mississippi who owns or has in their possession a dog, cat, or ferret age three months or older must have the animal vaccinated against rabies. Every one of these animals transported into the state for any reason must be accompanied by proof of current rabies vaccination. 

For more information, visit www.MBAH.ms