HAYS COUNTY, Texas – A bat has tested positive for rabies after it was found at a Hays Youth Baseball center.

The dead bat was found on May 8 in the 100 block of Hays Youth Drive, in Buda, Texas.

The bat was spotted in the grass near the public bathrooms around 6:40 p.m.

The Department of State Health Services examined the bat and confirmed that it tested positive for the virus.

Anyone who made physical contact with the bat is asked to call the Hays County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Unit at 512-393-7896 or the Department of State Health Services Zoonosis Control at 254-778-6744.

In April, two San Antonio students were exposed to bat that tested positive for rabies. One of the students was bitten by a bat.

That same month two bats infected with rabies were also found in Manor and Dripping Springs.

Officials want to remind people to explain to their children what to do if they encounter a seemingly dead bat.

Lisa Norwood from ACS in San Antonio provided the following:

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A BAT

  • You should never touch wildlife or any roaming animal, regardless of whether it is living or dead. Children should be taught to tell an adult immediately if they see or touch an unknown animal in close proximity to people or pets.
  • Residents should also refrain from feeding, touching, or handling any wildlife or unknown animals.
  • If you or your pet makes contact with a bat, skunk, raccoon, coyote, or other wildlife, call 311 to be connected to your local animal control department.
  • Pets that come into contact with wildlife should be confined to prevent further exposure to people or animals. State law dictates that any actual or potential rabies exposure must be reported to the local rabies authority for investigation and potential testing.
  • If the unknown animal is within a home or building, keep the animal confined, but only if it can be done safely and without direct contact.  
  • If at all possible, wait for Animal Control to respond and avoid striking the animal. Physical trauma can damage the brain and make it impossible to conduct rabies laboratory tests.

DON'T FORGET YOUR DOGS AND CATS

Remember, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies annually in keeping with city and state law.

Free or low-cost clinics in the San Antonio area here. Free or low-cost clinics in Austin area here.