A bat has tested positive for rabies in South Utica. The bat was sent to the New York State Department of Health Wadsworth Center for testing on September 9, 2026 and positive results were reported on September 10, 2026. One person was exposed to the bat and receiving post-exposure prophylaxis.
Although most bats do not have rabies, bats are one of the most reported rabid animals and are the leading cause of rabies deaths in humans in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you find a bat in your home, try to capture it but only if you can do so safely. Capturing the bat will allow for rabies testing and could prevent unnecessary treatment for exposure. While in your home, it is possible that the bat bit without you knowing. Bat bites can be extremely small and not always visible. To catch a bat, you should:
- Close all doors and windows to prevent the bat from escaping.
- Wait for the bat to land
- While wearing gloves, slowly approach the bat and place a coffee can or plastic container over it trapping it against the wall or floor.
- Carefully slip a flat piece of cardboard under the can or container trapping the bat inside.
- Tape the cardboard to the can sealing the bat inside.
- Once the bat is secured, contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064 for instructions.
Signs of rabies include:
- Animal acting strangely
- Animal acting mad
- Animal acting shy
- Animal getting unusually close
- Drooling or foaming from the mouth
If you see an animal, wild or stray, with these signs, do not approach it and stay away. If any animal is acting strangely, call your local animal control officer for help. Additional resources include:
- Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator: Licensed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
- Wildlife Rehabilitator: Licensed by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
- Department of Environmental Conservation at 1-844-332-3267
- Environmental Conservation Officer Rosters
- Local police department
Per NYS Public Health Law, all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies by 4 months-old and then one year following the initial dose. Dogs and cats need to receive a booster dose every three years following. Ferrets must receive booster doses annually. For the safety of pets and the convenience of county residents, the Oneida County Health Department offers Rabies Vaccination Clinics throughout the year in various community locations. The next clinic is:
- October 9, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Town of Trenton Offices
For more information on rabies prevention, visit oneidacountyny.gov/rabies. If you have questions or are concerned about a possible rabies exposure, contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
