BATH, Maine — A bat captured in North Bath on Friday has tested positive for rabies.
Bath Animal Control Officer Ann Hartford captured the bat, which was unable to fly, outside a home and took it to Coastal Veterinary Care Center, where it was euthanized, according to a release from Bath police Lt. Robert Savary.
The animal’s remains were taken to the Health and Environment Testing Lab in Augusta, which notified Bath police on Tuesday that the bat had tested positive for rabies.
According to Savary, no domestic animals were exposed to the disease, but he encouraged pet owners to ensure that their animals’ vaccinations are up to date.
According to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 animals had tested positive for rabies in Maine this year, as of Monday, including 14 raccoons, six skunks and five gray foxes. Most cases were reported in Androscoggin, Cumberland and Kennebec counties, which counted five rabid animals each.