A bat found in Georgetown on March 23 has tested positive for rabies. The bat was collected by Georgetown Animal Services at Pickett Elementary School.

The bat was sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin for testing. Positive rabies virus results were indicated late in the day Friday, March 24, and notices were posted at the school on Monday, March 27.

Another bat collected at a nearby residence March 19 tested positive for rabies on March 21.

Animal control officers do not believe that any people or pets have been exposed to rabies from the bats. However, it is important to protect pets by making sure they have a current rabies vaccination.

“Not all downed bats have rabies and not all rabid bats appear sick,” said Kelly Thyssen, animal control officer with the Georgetown Police Department. “If you find a bat, especially if it is inside your home, in an area that a child has access to, in a room with a sleeping person, or if your pet potentially had contact with it, please call us.” Bats are wild animals and should never be handled, Thyssen said.

To report a bat or other animal that you believe may have rabies, call the 24-hour number for the Georgetown Police Department at (512) 930-3510. An animal control officer will respond to the report.

For questions or concerns about rabies, contact the Williamson County and Cities Health District at (512) 943-3660. If you have concerns about possible contact with a bat, contact the Health District or your health care provider.

For information about rabies in animals, see the Texas Department of State Health Services rabies page at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/idcu/disease/rabies/information/pamphlet.

The Georgetown Animal Shelter is hosting a low-cost vaccine clinic on Saturday, May 20, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. For more information, contact the shelter at (512) 930-3592. The Animal Shelter is located at 110 W.L. Walden Drive.