Vancouver Island veterinarians warn of increased bat activity and rabies risk

rabies risk bat activity Vancouver Island public health warning vaccine supply

Veterinarians on Vancouver Island are warning the public of increased bat activity and a heightened risk of rabies exposure for humans and pets. Local medical professionals have reported a spike in bat-human exposures, which has led to an increased demand for the local rabies vaccine supply.

Island Health reports that the surge is partly due to bat pups being highly active and unpredictable as they learn to fly and hunt. In British Columbia, it is estimated that approximately 0.5 per cent of bats carry the rabies virus.

Health officials and veterinary hospitals recommend that pet owners ensure all animals, including indoor cats, are up to date on rabies vaccinations. Residents are advised to avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk, secure windows and screens, and instruct children never to touch bats, even if they appear distressed.

Entities

British Columbia · Island Health · MARS Wildfire Rescue · Peninsula Veterinary Hospital · Vancouver Island

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Rabies is 100 per cent fatal if exposure is not identified and treated quickly. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · goldstreamgazette.com · saanichnews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The spike in exposures has increased demand for the local rabies vaccine supply. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · goldstreamgazette.com · saanichnews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] There has been a spike in local bat-human exposures this week. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · goldstreamgazette.com · saanichnews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Active and unpredictable bat pups learning to fly and hunt are contributing to increased human exposures. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · goldstreamgazette.com · saanichnews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 0.5 per cent of bats in British Columbia are estimated to carry rabies. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · goldstreamgazette.com · saanichnews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] A bat made skin contact with an employee near her head and neck in Brentwood Bay. vancouverislandfreedaily.com · goldstreamgazette.com · saanichnews.com

Sources

Greater Victoria vets warn of increased bat activity [todayinbc.com]

21 days ago

Greater Victoria vets warn of increased bat activity [vancouverislandfreedaily.com]

21 days ago

Greater Victoria vets warn of increased bat activity - Goldstream News Gazette [goldstreamgazette.com]

21 days ago

Rabies alert issued after two rabid bats found in Bonneville, Jefferson counties [localnews8.com]

19 days ago

Greater Victoria vets warn of increased bat activity [oakbaynews.com]

21 days ago

Greater Victoria vets warn of increased bat activity [saanichnews.com]

21 days ago