Caution: Bat Found in U City Home Is Confirmed Rabid

St. Louis County animal control officials confirm that a bat found in a University Home has tested positive for rabies.

A news release from the County reports this is the first case in the St. Louis area in 2013.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, there have been 25 confirmed cases of rabies in Missouri this year. 

Anyone who finds a bat, dead or alive, in their home should confine it to one room and call their local health department, according to the Post.

To read the full Post-Dispatch story, click here.

Most bats don't carry rabies, according to Animal Control, and perform a beneficial service by eating large quantities of insects. But one bat in a colony with rabies will likely spread it to other members of the colony.

To reach St. Louis County Animal Control call 314-615-0650. After regular business hours, call 314-889-2341.