News

Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Portland

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


The Portland Department of Public Health is reporting that a bat has tested positive for rabies in the city.

It’s the fourth confirmed case of rabies in Cumberland County this year and the 26th confirmed case across Maine.

Other cases in Cumberland County involve raccoons and a fox.

The city is recommending some basic tips for people to avoid rabies, such as avoiding direct contact with wild animals and not leaving pet food outside.

Rabies is a viral disease that is deadly if people don’t receive medical care before symptoms start, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Rabies Prevention: Preventing Rabies in People

  • Enjoy wildlife from a distance. Avoid having any contact with wild animals or animals you do not know, including injured animals. Confirmed cases in Cumberland County have been raccoons, a fox, and a bat, but other cases have included skunks, woodchucks, cats, and other wildlife. If you find an injured animal, call your local game warden or animal control officer.
  • Fasten trash can lids tightly and do not leave pet food outside. This keeps animals away from your house.
  • Talk to an exterminator or contractor or Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Biologist about “bat-proofing” your home or building.
  • If you are traveling to another country, talk to a health care provider to see if getting vaccinated for rabies before traveling is the right decision for you.

Rabies Prevention: Preventing Rabies in Pets and Livestock

  • Work with your veterinarian to keep all dogs, cats, ferrets, and livestock current on rabies vaccinations. It is the law in Maine that all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies after a certain age.
  • Consider keeping all cats and ferrets indoors and dogs under direct supervision when outdoors to help prevent contact with wild animals.
  • Spay or neuter your pets to help reduce the number of stray animals.
  • Call animal control if you see stray animals in your neighborhood since these animals may be unvaccinated or ill.

(City of Portland)

Latest Headlines

2 days ago in Entertainment

Emotional Jimmy Kimmel says in late-night return he never intended to make light of Kirk’s killing

Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday after a nearly weeklong suspension and, in an emotional monologue where he appeared close to tears, said that he wasn't trying to joke about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

3 days ago in Entertainment, Trending

ABC ends Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and his show will return Tuesday

ABC will reinstate Jimmy Kimmel's late night show in the wake of criticism over his comments about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, officials with the network said Monday.

4 days ago in Entertainment

Christopher Nolan to lead Directors Guild of America

Christopher Nolan has been elected to lead the Directors Guild of America, the organization said late Saturday. The Oscar-winning "Oppenheimer" filmmaker said in a statement that it is, "one of the greatest honors of my career."

4 days ago in National, Trending

4.3 magnitude earthquake jolts the San Francisco Bay Area and people report feeling a sharp shake

An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.3 rocked the San Francisco Bay Area early Monday, waking up many people, with more 22,000 saying they felt it, according to the United States Geological Survey.

4 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Release party for Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ album is coming to AMC theaters

Taylor Swift is heading back to the big screen next month, and fans are already lining up for tickets. AMC Theatres announced on Friday that it will host a release party for Swift's 12th studio album, " The Life of a Showgirl," which is set to debut Oct. 3.