FRIENDSWOOD, TX (KTRK) -- A second rabid bat has been confirmed in the Forest of Friendswood subdivision, according to the Friendswood Police Department.
The bat was reported to Friendswood Animal Control on Thursday, October 7. The bat was submitted to the Texas Department of State Health Services the same day. The health department reported test results on October 8. The test results were positive for rabies.
The bat was found in a backyard in the 500 block of Twin Pines. The location is near the 800 block of Hackberry where a confirmed rabid bat was found on August 27.
A dog belonging to the homeowner on Twin Pines is being quarantined at home for 45 days as a precaution. The dog is current on its shots, but did receive a booster this week. It can not be confirmed if the bat bit the dog.
Another bat found the week of August 29 was also submitted to the state lab. That bat was too decomposed for testing.
The Texas Department of State Health Services website reports that laboratory-confirmed rabies cases often peak in September and October. According to the site, humans should not touch bats or any other unfamiliar animal. If a bat is found, contact authorities so that the bat may be taken to a lab and tested for rabies if needed. The dead bats are tested if there is known or suspected contact with animals or humans. Friendswood residents can call the animal control office via the police department at 281-996-3300.
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