Bats

Immediately wash the bite with soap and water and seek medical attention. If at all possible the bat should be captured and sent to a laboratory for testing, using the following technique:

• When the bat lands, approach it slowly and place a box or coffee can over it. Be sure you wear leather work gloves.
• Slide a piece of cardboard under the container to trap the bat and tape it in place securely.
• Place small holes in the cardboard so the bat can breathe.
• Contact a local veterinarian to make arrangements for the bat to be tested for rabies. If the bat is dead, it should be placed in a bag and kept refrigerated until it can be sent to the lab. DO NOT FREEZE.
• If there has not been human or pet contact with the bat, it can be released outside.
• Report bat bites by contacting the City of Muscatine Animal Control at 563.263.9922.

The only way to know if a bat is rabid is testing by laboratory. Caution should be exercised whenever bats are present and bats should never be handled.

Bats and Rabies