Another bat in rural Harney County recently tested positive for rabies. The bat was found alive in a driveway, appeared sick, and was alone.

A private citizen safely transported the bat in a sealed glass container to a local veterinarian, where it was frozen and sent off to the Oregon Pubic Health Laboratory for testing. There is no known contact with animals or people.

This is the second known case of rabies this year in Harney County. On Aug. 28, the first case was reported after a bat was observed acting strange and was collected by a private citizen in rural Harney County.

As on Sept. 1, 2026, 30 bats have tested positive for rabies in Oregon according to Oregon Health Authority data.

Signs of rabies in bats

Bats play a vital role in our ecosystem, and they do not all carry rabies. However, it’s important to recognize possible signs of rabies in bats. Unusual behaviors that could indicate rabies include bats that:

• Are active during the day

• Are found in unusual places (inside a home or on the ground)

• Are unable to fly or you can easily approach

• Have made contact with you as they usually avoid humans

If you see strange bat behavior, keep your distance and contact with animal control or your local public health department.

What to do if you encounter a bat

Avoid touching bats. Bat bites can be tiny, and you may not even know if you were bitten. If you do know that you were bitten or scratched by a bat, wash the wound with soap and water and get medical help right away. If bat saliva or brain material gets into your eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound, see a healthcare professional urgently.

If you think you have been in contact with a bat, talk to your health department. If you find a bat in your home, contact animal control or your health department to safely capture it for rabies testing. Do not release the bat until you talk with a public health expert.

When to seek 

treatment

Rabies post-exposure treatment should be considered if:

• There was physical contact with a person where a bite or scratch occurred or could not be ruled out;

• Even in the absence of known physical contact, if the bat had access to an unattended young child, a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or a person with other sensory or mental impairment;

AND the bat

• is found to be rabid;

• is not available for testing;

• was untestable.

How to safely capture a bat

• Find a container like a box or jar large enough for the bat to fit in.

• Locate a piece of cardboard large enough to cover the container opening.

• Punch small air holes in the cardboard.

• Put on leather work gloves.

• When the bat lands, approach it slowly and put the container over it.

• Slide the cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside.

• Tape the cardboard to the container to secure the bat inside.

• Contact your local health department to have the bat tested for rabies and determine if you need medical care from being in contact with the bat.

If you cannot safely capture the bat, speak with your public health department for further advice.

For questions you can contact the Harney County Health Department at 541-573-2271.