POCATELLO, Idaho -- The Southeastern District Health Department found a bat testing positive for rabies in Pocatello. This is the eighth bat found with the disease in Idaho this year, but is only the first in southeastern Idaho.

The last known bats to test positive for rabies were one in Bannock County in 2008 and one in Bingham County.

Rabies Can cause a fatal viral illness in those who are scratched or bitten and do not receive the rabies vaccine.

Tips from the SDHD to protect yourself and your pets: • Never touch bats. • Be very suspicious of bat activity during daylight hours. • If you or your child wakes up in the presence of a bat, discuss the situation with your medical provider. Seemingly insignificant exposures may have contributed to several fatal cases of rabies in the past. • If you have an encounter with a bat, seek medical attention immediately. Save the bat in a container and contact your local district health department immediately for testing options. NEVER handle a bat with your bare hands—use gloves, a towel, etc. • Bat-proof your home or cabin by checking chimneys, roof peaks, loose screening on louvers, dormer windows, or areas where flashing has pulled away from the roof or siding. Bats can enter through holes the size of a quarter. Typically bat-proofing is best after bats have migrated away in the fall. • Always vaccinate your pets, including dogs, cats, horses, and ferrets. Pets may encounter bats in the outdoors or in the home. If your dog or cat brings a dead bat home, collect it in a plastic bag without touching it and call your district health department for possible testing. Also, contact your veterinarian to make sure your animal’s rabies vaccinations are up-to-date.