In July 2015  all of the Treasure Valley news outlets reported a bat was found in South West Boise that tested positive for rabies. This is the first report of an Idaho wild animal with the disease in 2015. A total of 11 bats and one skunk tested positive for rabies in 2014, two of those were from Ada County and two in Canyon County.

Why are Rabies a Concern

That’s concerning to everyone in the Treasure Valley since Rabies is almost 100% fatal without the vaccination. It’s especially concerning to those who have dogs, cats and even horses due to the increased risk of exposure. Pets that are kept outside have a greater possibility of encountering a rabid bat, raccoon, or worse, a skunk. 

Bats are Getting a Bad Wrap

Now it's important to note that multiple sources have found that about 1/2 of 1% of all bats in the United States are carrying rabies. Bats also play a large roll in the controlling insect population as bugs are a large source of a bats diet. In Idaho, a single brown bat can eat over 600 mosquitoes an hour. 

Annually, around 200+ cats contract rabies as compared to 60 to 70 dogs. Horses that contract rabies stays in the low teens yearly. Felines are hunters by nature and are more likely to fight with an infected skunk, raccoon, or bat, thus exposing themselves to the disease. 

Get your Pets Vaccinated

The best defense for your pet is a great offense. Get your pet vaccinated for rabies for their safety, your safety and because it's the law.