Loss Prevention Hot Topics

Rabies Precautions: Bats

Please use caution when dealing with animals that may be infected with rabies.  Infected bats are showing up around Texas and it is possible school districts may encounter them on campus. If a bat is found, the first line of defense is secluding the bat in a controlled area away from human contact. Second, the district should contact animal control to remove the bat.

Animal control may not be available or able to retrieve the bat in all situations. If this happens, staff should remove the bat using this method.  Gather items such as leather gloves, a box or can, a flat piece of cardboard, and tape. The steps to contain the bat are:

1. Put on the leather gloves.
2. Approach the bat (when it has landed) with caution.
3. Place the box or can over the bat and gently slide the cardboard underneath the box or can to secure the bat inside.
4. Tape the cardboard to the box or can and then punch small holes into the cardboard to give the bat sufficient air.
5. After the bat is secure, make arrangements with animal control to pick up the animal for proper removal.

If the bat bites anyone or otherwise comes into direct contact with someone, it will need to be captured and sent to a lab for rabies testing. Any bat showing signs of stress or unusual behavior should be tested for rabies as a precautionary measure.

Please follow this link to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for further information on bat safety. 

If you have any questions about this Loss Prevention Hot Topic, contact your Loss Prevention consultant.