City of Lubbock Reminds Citizens of Life-Saving Rabies Tips

The City of Lubbock has issued a warning to all citizens of the dangers tied to rabies after a rise in infected animals was discovered.

Certain wild animals, particularly bats, are known to carry this deadly disease, and even one scratch or bite to humans or pets can lead to fatal symptoms.

Rabies in Lubbock, TX

According to Director of Lubbock Animal Services Steven Greene, "even healthy-looking bats can carry rabies. Never attempt to pick it up, even if it appears to be sick, injured, or dead."

Rabies is almost guaranteed to be fatal if left unchecked without vaccination after a bite from an infected animal. The City of Lubbock provided some tips for you or your pet to avoid falling victim to rabies:

• Do not touch bats or other animals that are common carriers of the rabies disease
  • Call professionals to remove the animal if it's on your property
• If contact was made, Lubbock Animal Control will schedule a free call to get the person/pet tested for rabies
• Ensure your pets are up to date with their rabies vaccinations
• If bitten or scratched from a bat, wash the area thoroughly with warm soapy water before seeking medical attention

Common Carriers of Rabies

Although they are often the most common, bats aren't the only animals that are known to carry rabies. The other common carriers of rabies include raccoons, skunks, and foxes.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than 70% of all positive rabies cases resulted in contact with bats. However, globally, the most common cause of death to humans due to rabies are from infected pet dogs—over 70,000 deaths per year worldwide.

So, please make sure you get your pets vaccinated, and wild bats are probably something that you should add to the list of "things not to touch," right between "a hot stove," and "a stranger's armpit."