Bats Are Not Your Pet

Bats play a vital role in the world's ecosystem, but in the United States, they are the most commonly reported animals to have rabies.

In March 2025, a bat found in North Carolina tested positive for rabies, marking the second confirmed case in Person County this year.

While not all bats carry the rabies virus, be cautious when you see one, advises the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

However, it is essential to recognize the possible signs of rabies in bats. Unusual behaviors that could indicate that a bat has rabies include being active during the day, being inside a home or laying on the ground.

This advice is essential when watching bats fly at dusk, such as in Austin, Texas.

The CDC stated on June 11, 2025, that if you observe unusual bat behavior, contact your local animal control or public health department.

Furthermore, when traveling abroad, be aware of infected dogs, which are the primary source of 99% of rabies cases globally.

From a prevention perspective, the CDC says two types of vaccines protect people against rabies: nerve tissue and cell culture vaccines.

As of June 23, 2025, the CDC recommends rabies vaccination for individuals visiting high-risk areas. Bavarian Nordic's RabAvert® vaccine is offered at travel clinics and pharmacies, but it is only recommended for specific travelers.