Second rabies-positive bat discovered in Salinas neighborhood

A second bat has tested positive for rabies in the Toro Park area, marking the second case in three months. The latest case was reported on June 7 near Portola and Anza Drive in an unincorporated area of Monterey County. Initially, it was thought the bat was located in Toro County Park, but it was actually found in a neighborhood near the park. The first case occurred on April 2 near Salinas, where an owned pet was exposed to an infected bat.

Officials from the Hitchcock Road Animal Services have confirmed that there was no exposure to humans or pets in either case. The County of Monterey Public Health Bureau and Animal Services are reminding residents of the continuous presence of rabies in local wildlife, with skunks and bats being the most common carriers of the virus.

Pet owners are advised to keep their animals up to date on rabies vaccinations and should be cautious about leaving pets unattended, especially during dawn and dusk when wildlife is most active. Owners of livestock such as horses, sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle are also encouraged to discuss rabies vaccinations with their veterinarians.

Residents are urged to avoid leaving pet food and water outside to prevent wildlife activity around homes. If any wild animals are found dead, acting strangely, or if there is a suspicion of exposure to rabies, individuals should contact Monterey County Animal Services or their local animal control agency. For more information on the rabies virus, residents can call the County of Monterey Health Department’s Communicable Disease Unit or visit their website.

 

Vocabulary Insights

1. Rabies /?re?bi?z/ (noun): A contagious and fatal viral disease of dogs and other mammals that causes madness and convulsions, transmissible through the saliva to humans.
2. Unincorporated /??n?n?k??rp??re?t?d/ (adjective): Not included as part of a city or town; not governed by its own local municipal corporation.
3. Exposure /?k?spo???r/ (noun): The state of being exposed to contact with something.
4. Bureau /?bj??ro?/ (noun): An office or department for transacting particular business.
5. Vaccinations /?væks??ne???nz/ (noun): The administration of a vaccine to help the immune system develop protection from a disease.
6. Livestock /?la?v?st?k/ (noun): Farm animals regarded as an asset.
7. Communicable /k??mju?n?k?bl/ (adjective): Able to be transmitted from one sufferer to another; contagious or infectious.
8. Agency /?e?d??nsi/ (noun): A business or organization established to provide a particular service.