Tag Archives: bat rabies

3 Potentially Deadly Diseases Caused By Bats

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Nuisance bats are nuisances for very good, and frightening, reasons. For one, they are highly destructive, and can cause extensive structural damages to homes, buildings, barns, and more. These damages are not only tedious to reverse, but also very costly. However, the threat of structural damage is not the key reason why bats are not something you want around your property. The biggest threat they pose is disease and illness. Bats are common carriers of several infectious and parasitic diseases, some of which are potentially deadly to both people and pets.

Continue reading to learn more about bat diseases and safety threats, including the top 3 diseases that can be fatal.

Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Bat Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Rabies Virus

The most widely known disease associated with bats is the rabies virus.  Rabies is a very serious illness that is easily spread through bodily fluids, like urine or saliva. There is no cure or treatment for Rabies once it is contracted, making it 100% fatal. For this reason, pet vaccinations are crucial. In fact, the Kentucky Administrative Code statute states that all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated at 4 months of age, and then re-vaccinated annually by a licensed and accredited veterinarian. If a bat were to bite a person, it is possible for that person to contract the Rabies virus. In this case, they would require immediate medical attention involving a series of injections, medications, and treatments. But before the vaccine was invented in the 1900’s, all cases of rabies in humans were fatal. 

Histoplasmosis

Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease that is contracted as a result of being exposure to bat droppings (guano) over a long period of time. A fungus that grows in guano called Histoplasmosis Capsulatum produces spores will travel through ductwork and into the living or trafficked areas of a property, thus exposing people and pets without any knowledge. The inhalation of these spores can cause flu-like symptoms, such as coughing and difficulty breathing. Fortunately, there is a treatment for Histoplasmosis, as well as vaccines for pets. However, the disease can turn deadly for those with existing medical conditions or suppressed immune systems, as well as for infants and elderly folk.

Fibrosing Mediastinitus

If a person is ill with Histoplasmosis, they may experience a very rare complication of the disease called Fibrosing Mediastinitus. In contrast to the symptoms of Histoplasmosis, Fibrosing Mediastinitus will cause serious complications that can lead to death. The disease essentially constricts the heart and lungs from functioning. Without immediate treatment, it can be fatal. Although very rare, it is a terrible and painful disease for those infected.

Dealing With Nuisance Bats?

If you suspect you have issues with bats, or a bat infestation in the attic or other area of your home, contact our DNR licensed and insured professionals at 553-502-7622 for safe and humane bat control service in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding counties. We have more than two decades of experience working with bats and offer both residential and commercial bat removal and control services, including minor attic restorations for bat damages. Request a free estimate, today.

Do All Bats Have Rabies?

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To answer this question right off the “bat”, bats DO carry rabies; however, not all bats are infected with the rabies virus. Basically, it’s a gamble. You never know which bats are infected and which are not. The only way to tell if a bat has rabies is to test their blood or if you observe them exhibiting blatant signs of rabies infection, which you will learn more about below. Continue reading to review some facts about bats and rabies, and what to do if you have a bat in the house or on your property.

The Rabies Virus

Rabies is most commonly transmitted through infected blood or saliva. For example, a bat bite. This commonly happens to outdoor dogs and cats because they are a naturally curious species. When bats are infected with rabies, they exhibit strange behaviors. They might be active during the day even though they are a nocturnal, they might convulse or shake uncontrollably, they might fly around aimlessly, or even appear disoriented or aggressive. It could be a combination of the above behaviors as well.

Protection Against Rabies

In North America, bats are a common “rabies vector species”, meaning most of the documented cases of rabies transmission in the U.S. over the past five decades originated from a bat. And although we don’t have the exact statistics, it is a well-known fact that at least one death every year occurs as a result of rabies transmission. This is why it is important to protect your home from bat infestations, and to avoid bat counters at all costs.

If you ever see a wild bat, even if it’s injured or a baby, never touch it or try to trap it. And most importantly, never harm or kill bats. They are a vital part of our surrounding ecosystem, and provide a wide range of environmental benefits that our society needs to thrive comfortably. Instead, contact a local wildlife removal company for emergency bat removal services. They are highly trained and licensed by the state, and they only use safe and humane methods of bat exclusion and extraction.

As for pets, be sure you keep your dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies and other deadly viruses. Remember, once a pet contracts the rabies virus, there is no cure. The same goes for humans. If you are ever bitten by a bat, whether you think it has rabies or not, immediately go to the emergency room for treatment.

Emergency Bat Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for emergency bat removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky. We are highly trained wildlife control specialists who are licensed by the Department of Natural Resources. When you have a back problem, we are the prompt and professional solution at a price you can afford. We offer a wide range of bat removal and control services for both residential and commercial properties. Call 502-533-7622 to request a free estimate for Louisville bat removal, today.