A common type of bat found in the Del Rey Oaks area has tested positive for the rabies virus, the Monterey County Public Health Bureau said.
The Mexican free-tailed bat was found near Carlton Drive on April 28. A pet that was exposed to the bat has been placed under quarantine, but there was no human exposure, health officials said in a news release.
Del Rey Oaks is a community of about 1,600, four miles east of downtown Monterey.
Rabies, which causes a fatal illness in people and other mammals, isn’t unusual in Monterey County. The virus is continuously present in local wildlife.
It typically turns up in bats and skunks, both inside and outside cities, public health officials said.
Dogs and cats are at increased risk of rabies if they aren’t protected by a rabies vaccination and come into contact with wildlife.
Owners should avoid leaving their pets outside unattended, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife can be most active.
Residents should avoid leaving pet food and water outside because it encourages wildlife activity around the home.
People should avoid contact with wildlife, particularly skunks and bats at all times. Don’t touch or approach animals acting strangely.
More information about rabies is available online or by calling the County of Monterey Health Department’s Communicable Disease Unit at (831) 755-4521.