How did Reedley city officials know bats infected with rabies came in contact with feral cats?

REEDLEY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The City of Fresno and Reedley are urging residents to take precautions after two bats tested positive for rabies. It was also reported that the infected bats had contact with feral cats in Reedley, but how did the city find out?

“It’s uncommon for cats to be able to get ahold of bats unless the bats are weak and sick. In this case, we had a very aware neighbor who was paying attention and saw some feral cats playing with a bat. And she called us right away. She didn’t touch the bat. She did the right thing. It was superb. So there’s no human interaction with this bat case,” Reedley City Manager Nicole Zieba explained.

This is a situation that is new to many city leaders dealing with this health hazard.

“So my 13 years as City Manager in Reedley, we’d not yet had a rabies case, so this is unique,” Zieba said. “It probably is a good time to push out a reminder to the public that rabies is prevalent in these rodents and bats.”

If it wasn’t for a mindful neighbor, the public wouldn’t know to be extra cautious with feral cats. This news comes three months after a teacher in Dos Palos died of a rabies infection from a bat bite. The City of Reedley has a list of things residents can do and be aware of to stay away from the virus:

• Avoid contact with wild animals: Do not approach bats, raccoons, or any unfamiliar wildlife.
• Ensure pet vaccinations are current. Contact your veterinarian to confirm your pet’s vaccination status.
• Secure your home: Inspect your home for openings where bats or other wildlife could enter and seal any gaps.
• Report unusual animal behavior: If you encounter a sick or dead stray cat within the next 10 days, or if you observe a bat or other wild animal acting strangely (e.g., daytime activity, aggression, difficulty moving), contact your local animal control.