The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says a bat found in St. Clair County has tested positive for the rabies virus. This is the second recorded rabies-positive bat found in Michigan so far this year. According to the St, Clair County Health Department, an average of 40 bats, or about 2 percent of the population, test positive for the disease every year. Rabies can spread by minor bites or scratches, so any direct contact with a sick or wild animal should be considered as a possible rabies exposure. State law requires all animal bites be reported to the Health Department and Animal Control. Officials are also reminding residents they can help protect their pets from the virus by making sure their rabies vaccinations stay up-to-date.
