Kamloops bat tests positive for rabies

A bat caught by an unvaccinated cat has tested positive for rabies in Kamloops. 

The Kamloops Cat Hospital sent out an email to their customers yesterday, Sept. 3, after it received a positive test result on the bat and urging owners to vaccinate their cats.

"Unfortunately, when a bat is confirmed to have rabies, it is a death sentence for the cat," the hospital wrote in the email.  "The only way to prevent this is to have your cat vaccinated for rabies regularly." 

READ MORE: Be prepared for a B.C. bat encounter

Rabies can also be contracted by dogs. The virus is transmitted through close contact with the saliva of infected animals, most often by a bite or scratch, according to the B.C. SPCA.

Although humans are also at risk, according to the B.C. Community Bat Project, contracting rabies from a bat is extremely rare.

To mitigate risk, vaccinate your pets and never touch a bat with your bare hands. Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a bat is urged to seek immediate medical attention.

For more information about bats in B.C., click here.

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