DELHI — A bat tested positive for rabies in the town of Delhi. This is the third animal in Delaware County to test positive for rabies in 2026. One person was exposed to the rabies virus and is receiving rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. No animals were exposed.

Once contracted, rabies has a 100% fatality rate when left untreated in mammals, including humans. Vaccinating dogs, cats, ferrets and livestock is essential to protect animals against rabies.

Bats carry rabies in their saliva and may transmit the disease through bites to humans and other animals. Most bats are healthy and can help humans by consuming insects, but some bats are infected with rabies. Prompt treatment following a bite or other exposure can prevent rabies in humans.

Rabid bats may exhibit abnormal behavior, such as being active outdoors during daylight hours. They may be grounded, paralyzed or bite a person or animal. However, not all rabid bats act abnormally.

One rabid bat in a colony does not mean the entire colony is infected. Rabid bats rarely attack humans. However, because rabies can occur anywhere and can be fatal, people should strictly avoid direct contact with bats. Whenever contact with a bat is suspected, the local health department should be contacted to evaluate the possibility of exposure.

Public Health recommends taking the following steps if a person or pet encounters a bat:

• First, determine whether a person, pet or livestock animal may have had contact with the bat.

• If contact occurred, immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.

• Seek medical attention and contact the local health department.

• If it is uncertain whether a person or pet was exposed, wear thick gloves and wait for the bat to land. Cover the bat with a coffee can, slide a piece of cardboard the bat to land. Cover the bat with a coffee can, slide a piece of cardboard beneath the can to trap it and tape the cardboard tightly to the can. Call the health department for further instructions.

• Bats should be captured only if there has been direct contact with a person or pet; if a bat was found in the room of someone who may have been exposed while sleeping; if a bat was found in a room with an unattended child; or if a bat was found near an intoxicated or mentally impaired person.

• Keep pets current on their rabies vaccinations. If a pet is current on its rabies shots, only a booster administered within five days may be needed. Contact a veterinarian.

• Unvaccinated animals that are exposed must be quarantined for six months or euthanized.

• Under certain circumstances, people can be vaccinated to prevent rabies after exposure to a bat that tested positive, or when the bat is unavailable or cannot be tested.

Exposure to rabies can be fatal for a person or pet. Vaccinating pets and other animals is the best preventive measure available. Pet owners should keep their animals’ vaccinations current.

Delaware County Public Health recommends that pet owners take advantage of the remaining free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets. Preregistration is suggested for all clinics and is available at https://apps.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties.

• Delhi: Aug. 12, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Delhi Fire Hall, 140 Delview Terrace Extension, Delhi, NY 13753.

• Stamford: Sept. 9, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Stamford Fire Hall, 111 Main St., Stamford, NY 12167.

• Deposit: Oct. 5, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the new location, the Department of Public Works garage, 192 Front St., Deposit, NY 13754.

To report a suspected rabid animal, call Delaware County Public Health Services at 607-832-5200. For more information, call 607-832-5200 or visit https://www.delcony.gov/ph/