On Sept. 28, 2022, the Garland Health Department (GHD) received notification of a laboratory confirmed case of rabies in a bat. The animal was found in the vicinity of Firewheel Town Center on Sept. 24. We do believe there was an exposure but we have been unable to identify the person. If you or anyone else may have come into contact with a bat around that date and location, please contact Garland Animal Services immediately. This is the first laboratory confirmed case of rabies in an animal in Garland this year.

The rabies virus is relatively rare in North America and is occasionally found in wild or domesticated animals including, but not limited to, dogs, coyotes, skunks, foxes, raccoons and bats. Infection of humans can occur if virus-laden saliva from a rabid animal is introduced through a bite, scratch or mucus membrane (such as the nose). Without treatment, infection is almost invariably fatal.

To reduce the community’s risk to rabies, residents should regularly vaccinate their pets and should report any pet or wild animal exhibiting erratic or abnormal behavior to Garland Animal Services. Residents can contact Garland Animal Services at 972-205-3570 if they have questions or need to report a potential exposure to the rabid bat.