PLANO, Texas — Officials are alerting the public after a bat found in Plano tested positive for rabies, according to a news release by the City of Plano on Wednesday.
The city said the bat was found near the entrance of the Campisi’s restaurant at 8100 Dallas Pkwy on Oct. 24.
"While there was no known contact with people or pets, the bat was sent off for testing due to it being found in an area with high public traffic," the city said.
Rabies is preventable and can be contracted by humans through bites from infected animals, the city said in its release. Both the State of Texas and the City of Plano require that animals receive rabies vaccines along with subsequent booster shots.
"This positive test highlights the importance of keeping all vaccinations current – especially rabies – since there is no way to predict when a pet may come into contact with a wild animal,” said Jamey Cantrell, Animal Services Director.
The last rabid bat in Plano was in September of 2022, according to the city.
"Bats live all over Texas and are currently migrating south to Mexico so more are passing over the area on their way south. Most are perfectly healthy but occasionally one will be found that isn't," a city spokesperson told WFAA.
Anyone who thinks they or their pets may have come into contact with this bat is encouraged to call Animal Services at (972) 769-4360.
