Rabies And A Dead Bat

 

© 2025 Luke T. Bush

PLATTSBURGH CITY, NY

Years ago a friend found a dead bat in his driveway.  He called the health department and thought someone would pick it up to test it for rabies.  He was told no testing was needed, he should dispose the carcass himself.

Recently a bat was hanging around the public library during the daytime -- on a wall.  When contacted the animal control officer said there was nothing to worry about.  The bat would just fly away later.

The bat never took wing.  After a few days it fell off the wall, dead on the ledge.  The health department was contacted about the bat.  Once again they said there was no reason to pick it up and test it for rabies.  Such a test was only needed if someone was bit.  A library employee had to remove the carcass with a shovel.

One would think that all dead bats including the non-biters would be tested to keep track of how rabies was spreading throughout the region.  The other day a rabid bat was found south of here in Essex County.

But testing all bat carcasses: the official attitude is why bother?  Two words come to mind.  Lazy and shortsighted.