Keep up to date on your pet’s rabies vaccine. That’s what one local veterinary hospital is saying after a client’s dog had a backyard encounter with a bat.
The Huff Animal Hospital in Tsawwassen released a community announcement on Facebook earlier this week after the sick bat tested positive for rabies.
“The dog was found interacting with the bat in the yard. The bat was brought in with the animal since it was available to be brought in,” said Huff veterinarian assistant/receptionist Claire Barone. “If they are able to do so safely then we can submit it for testing as per the BC Centre of Disease Control guidelines. It was almost fully dead by the time we got it.”
Fortunately the dog’s shots were up-to-date and a rabies vaccine booster was performed as per the BCCDC recommendations, added Barone.
“We do have rabies in B.C. It’s not a very common occurrence, but we do have it,” she said. “Every once in a while we do have clients where their animals have interacted with wildlife, be it a bat, a raccoon and stuff like that. Bats can be everywhere and some places more like barns and forests. Dark quiet places.
“Keep pets up to date on rabies and if your pet has any exposure to any sort of wildlife they should contact their primary veterinarian. Explain the type of exposure so they can go follow the proper protocol per the BCDC and take any action that is needed.”
