Bat found in North St. Joseph tests positive for rabies

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A bat specimen submitted to Missouri's Health Labs tested positive for the rabies virus following a potential exposure involving a puppy.

The St. Joseph Health Department submitted the specimen on Oct. 19 for testing and was notified that it was positive for rabies on Oct. 20. The potential exposure occurred on Oct. 15.

According to a news release, the bat was found dead in a yard in the northeast part of St. Joseph and was picked up by a puppy, which carried the bat in its mouth.

Officials said there is no reason to believe any human exposure occurred.

The puppy had not yet been immunized against rabies because it was younger than the recommended vaccination age.

The health department is working closely with the owners to provide guidance on appropriate observation and quarantine periods.

According to the release, approximately 1% to 2% of all specimens tested annually in Missouri test positive for rabies.

Bats and skunks are the species most frequently associated with positive results.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued an advisory in response to increases in reported human exposures to rabid or potentially rabid animals.

According to the CDC, multiple U.S. jurisdictions reported increases in human rabies exposures beginning in July.

Health department staff note that this positive test does not necessarily indicate an increase in rabies activity in the St. Joseph area.

Here are the results of bats tested in the last five years:

• 2022: 1 positive out of 22 tested

• 2023: 0 positive out of 13 tested

• 2024: 1 positive out of 25 tested

• 2025: 1 positive out of 34 tested

• 2026: 0 positive out of 38 tested before the most recent submission

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services maintains a public rabies testing dashboard with statewide results.

The dashboard is updated weekly and can be found at: https://health.mo.gov/conditions-diseases/rabies-dashboard.

Rabies is fatal once symptoms begin to develop, but it is preventable when appropriate medical care is received before symptoms begin.

The health department advised anyone who has been exposed to rabies to immediately contact a health care provider and public health officials for assistance.

In addition, the health department is reminding residents to take precautions like:

• Report wild animals acting strangely or any stray pets to animal services at 816-271-4877
• Avoid feeding, touching or handling bats and other wild animals, whether they appear alive or dead
• Do not let pets run loose, keep them away from wild animals and ensure they receive rabies vaccinations at the appropriate age.
• If a pet comes into contact with a bat or another potentially rabid animal, contact Animal Services so the animal can be impounded for testing. The person is also advised to contact a healthcare provider.
• Keep up with home maintenance, preventing easy access for bats to gain entry into living spaces and attics.

Residents with questions about rabies or potential animal exposures are encouraged to contact the St. Joseph Animal Services at 816-271-4877.