Full Notification

On Friday, March 13, 2015, a sick bat was picked up by a dog at Niles Elementary School near the playground.  The bat was alive and the dog’s owner took it home and brought it to the Tri-City Animal Shelter.   On Monday, March 16, 2015, the bat was tested and results were returned today as being positive.  This is the second bat that has tested positive for rabies in Fremont this month.  Early last week we were notified of a positive test in the Irvington area. 

Alameda County Public Health is the primary investigating agency and we have been informed that they are out in Niles today making notifications to residents in the immediate area of where the bat was located.  The dog was up to date on its vaccinations and has been placed on quarantine for 30 days, so hopefully he/she will be okay.  The following information has been provided by the County and is really good information to read in regards to this current incident as well as the rabies disease in general. 

 If any person or pet touched this recent bat at or near Niles Elementary School late last week, they may have been exposed to rabies.  Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that affects the brain and nervous system.  It can be prevented if the exposed person or animal receives a series of rabies vaccine shots as soon as possible after the exposures.  Anyone who touched or may have been bitten by this bat should call the Alameda County Public Health Department at 510-267-3250, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and 925-422-7595 after hours.  In addition, you should also see a health care provider.  Anyone whose pet touched this bat should call Fremont Animal Services at 510-790-6630 as well as their veterinarian.

Humans and pets should avoid contact with bats and other wild animals that may carry rabies, such as skunks, foxes, coyotes, badgers, weasels and raccoons.  Dogs and cats not vaccinated for rabies are also considered to be at medium to high risk for carrying the virus.  If an ill or dead animal is found, do not touch it.  In addition, if you witness an animal which is normally nocturnal during the daylight, acting in a strange manner (i.e. a skunk roaming or staggering, a bat hanging on a window screen or sill or a fox acting aggressive, etc.), it should also be reported to Animal Services or the Alameda County Public Health Department. 

Here are a few preventative measures you can take to reduce your risk:

• Have dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies.
• Confine dogs to property, especially puppies less than four months of age.
• Report any animal bites of humans.
• Report any close contact between dogs and cats with wild animals to Animal Services. 
• Do not feed wild animals by hand. 
• Do not come in close contact or attempt to care for a sick or injured animal.
• Do not attract skunks with food.  Pet food left outside is a strong invitation to skunks and other animals.
• Eliminate piles of trash, rocks, wood, hollow logs and heavy growth of vegetation where wild animals could hide.
• Do not provide shelter for bats.  Close, seal and screen all openings to your home, attic and roof.  Install screens on all attic vents and maintain in good repair.

To report dead or sick wildlife, please call Fremont Animal Services at 510-790-6630 or Fremont Police Dispatch (after hours) at 510-790-6800 and select option 3.  For any human exposure or public health concerns, please call the Alameda County Public Health Care Agency at 510-267-3250.