Veterinary Public Health


Pet Health Calendar
Contact Information
Veterinary Public Health Program
313 N Figueroa St. Rm 1127
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tel (213) 288-7060
Fax (213) 481-2375
vet@ph.lacounty.gov
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Rabid Bat Map 2000-2011
 
Map of rabid bats detected in Los Angeles County 2000-2011Bats and Rabies
Bats are the species of animal that most commonly carry rabies in Los Angeles County. However it is important to know that most bats do not have rabies!  Most bats try to avoid contact with people and pets. Bats are good for the environment because they eat insects and pollinate plants. Bats are also protected by state law.

Each red star on this map marks the location where a sick bat was found by a resident, reported to an animal control agency, and later tested positive for rabies.  Notice that rabid bats have been found in most parts of Los Angeles County.  Rabid bats are likely also found in unpopulated areas, but since these bats do not get reported (or tested), they are not marked on the map.

Bats seen flying in daylight, or found on the ground, are more likely to have rabies. Never touch a bat or other wild animal. If you pick up a bat with your bare hands, you may be bitten and exposed to rabies.

Bats that bite a person or pet should be tested for rabies. The bite mark from a bat can be very small and hard to see. Bats that are found indoors near a sleeping person, young child, adult that cannot speak, or pet should also be tested for rabies.   In these cases, try to gently trap the bat without touching it (such as covering it with a bucket), and call your local animal control agency. To see a list of local animal control agencies,
click here. You should also talk to your doctor and/or veterinarian in these situations.

Links about rabies
Centers for Disease Control - Rabies pages

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health web pages
             
Local Rabies Overview
             
Rabies Control  Manual
             
Human rabies
 

Read about rabid bats found in 2011!  Click here.

Last updated May 9, 2011

     

 
Public Health has made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translation. However, no computerized translation is perfect and is not intended to replace traditional translation methods. If questions arise concerning the accuracy of the information, please refer to the English edition of the website, which is the official version.
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