Veterinary clinics in Whistler and Campbell River are cautioning pet owners in British Columbia to be vigilant about bats, following the discovery of two rabies-positive bats this summer.
Dr. Jordie Schnarr mentioned an unusual surge in bat activity in the Sea-to-Sky region, with her clinic in Whistler dealing with approximately 25 bat encounters involving pets, a significant increase compared to previous years. Notably, one of the four bats tested for rabies this year returned positive results, while outcomes for two others are pending.
In a separate incident, a bat was found to be rabies-positive near Willow Point in Campbell River on July 24, as indicated by a local veterinary clinic. Island Health addressed this case, stating that a single positive result is not necessarily uncommon.
Bat ecologist Paula Rodriguez de la Vega from Community Bat Programs of B.C. highlighted an uptick in bat sightings, attributing it to wildfires displacing the animals. She mentioned that bats are facing challenges such as smoke inhalation and reduced insect availability, leading to distress and mortality among the bat population.
Dr. Schnarr emphasized the seriousness of bat encounters, especially indoors, posing risks of rabies transmission to both humans and pets. Prompt treatment is crucial even for vaccinated individuals post-exposure, with pets requiring a booster shot within seven days.
According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, approximately 0.5% of bats in British Columbia carry rabies. Rodriguez de la Vega stressed that rabies can only be transmitted through direct contact with infected bats, advising against handling or disturbing them. If a bat is found on the premises, it is recommended to leave it undisturbed as it may fly away on its own.
Furthermore, Rodriguez de la Vega emphasized the protection of bats under the B.C. Wildlife Act and discouraged their eviction during the pup-rearing season in summer. Bat ecologist Aaron Aguirre urged the public not to vilify bats entirely, acknowledging their crucial role in controlling agricultural pests and maintaining ecological balance.