APPLETON, Wis (WISS) Outagamie County Public Health is urging residents to take precautions after a bat recently tested positive for rabies in the county.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, there have been 19 total reported positive rabies results in the state in 2025 so far.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease most often spread to people and pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Cases of rabies in humans are rare in the US. But the most recent positive test of rabies in a bat serves as an important reminder of the need to protect both people and pets.
Ways to Prevent Rabies
The Outgamie County Public Health Division lists these tips for preventing rabies.
- Keep your dogs, cats, ferrets, and other animals up-to-date on vaccines
- All dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies
- Never touch bats or wild animals
- Do not let pets roam free
- Do not attract wild animals
- Cover garbage cans securely and do not leave food outside
- Prevent bats from entering your home.
- If a bat is found inside your home, do not release it until you have spoken with the health department, as testing may be necessary.
Vaccinations are important
“Keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccination is the most effective way to protect your family and community,” said Natalie Vandeveld, Health Officer of Outagamie County Public Health in a press release. “Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is entirely preventable with vaccination.”…