Third rabid animal confirmed in Summers County this year

By Tina Alvey
Register-Herald Reporter

June 05, 2009 11:44 pm

— Health department officials in Summers County received confirmation Friday that a dead bat discovered outside a home on Duncan Branch Road tested positive for rabies. This is the third rabid animal confirmed in the county this year, according to Chad Meador with the health department.
“The bat had possible contact with a dog, but the homeowner wasn’t sure if that happened,” Meador said. “Just to err on the side of caution, the dog has been quarantined for 45 days. Luckily, it had been vaccinated.”
State law requires all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. Fines can be levied against pet owners who do not comply, and unvaccinated pets with suspected contact with a rabid animal may be taken from their owners and destroyed.
Duncan Branch Road is located near Green Sulphur Springs.