Rabies Alert: Third Bat Tests Positive in Lane County

Lane County Public Health has confirmed the third bat found this year in the county has tested positive for rabies. This discovery has prompted officials to issue a strong warning to residents. They are urging all pet owners to make sure their dogs and cats are vaccinated against the rabies virus.

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms begin. The virus is present in an infected animal's saliva and can spread through bites or scratches. Thirteen bats have tested positive for rabies across Oregon so far in 2026. Officials emphasize that vaccinated pets create a crucial barrier against rabies transmission from wild animals to humans.