Two bats found in Georgetown last week have tested positive for rabies. Both bats were collected by Georgetown Animal Services on the north side of downtown.

The bats collected on September 7 and on September 9 were each sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services lab in Austin for testing. Positive rabies virus results were indicated this week.

Animal control officers do not believe that any people 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 sick bats have rabies and not all rabid bats appear sick,” says 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.”

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

The Georgetown Animal Shelter is hosting a low-cost vaccine clinic on September 24. Contact the shelter at (512) 930-3592 to make an appointment at the clinic. The Animal Shelter is located at 110 W.L. Walden Drive.