Bat Tests Positive For Rabies In Douglas County

ROSEBURG, Ore. — A bat found in Douglas County has tested positive for rabies, according to a joint release from the Douglas County Environmental Health Division, Douglas Public Health Network and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division.

The positive test was confirmed by the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. County officials said it is the first animal to test positive for rabies in Douglas County in 2026 and the fourth positive case reported in Oregon so far this year. The last time bats tested positive for rabies in Douglas County was in 2021.

According to officials, Douglas County Environmental Health worked with Umpqua Wildlife Rescue and the Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division after a concerned resident brought in a distressed bat for care. The bat was tested, and the resident will be encouraged to receive post-exposure care under Oregon Health Authority guidelines for animal bites and rabies.

Rabies is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected animal. While post-exposure vaccination is effective, Douglas County Environmental Health Supervisor Phil Kailiuli said prevention remains the best approach.

“People should avoid any and all contact with bats or other wild animals; make sure your dogs, cats and ferrets are vaccinated against rabies; and if you are bitten by an animal, please contact your doctor or health care provider and seek medical attention immediately,” Kailiuli said.

Kailiuli said bats play an important role in the environment, but people should not handle them.

“Bats are an important part of our ecosystem, but people should avoid direct contact with them,” Kailiuli said. “Bats that are sick may be found lying on the ground, unable to fly, or displaying unusual behavior. If you encounter a sick bat or other ill wildlife on your property, do not touch the animal. Bring children and pets indoors and contact our local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) Roseburg Field Office at (541) 440-3353 or Umpqua Wildlife Rescue at (541) 440-6895 for assistance.”

County officials said the case also serves as a reminder to avoid contact with unknown animals, even if they appear friendly. Animals may bite if they are startled, sick, injured or provoked.

Officials shared several safety reminders:

• Avoid contact with bats. A bat seen during daylight hours may be unhealthy and should not be touched.
• Do not approach or touch wounded wildlife. Leave that to trained professionals.
• Do not feed, catch or play with wild animals, including foxes, squirrels, birds, skunks, opossums, bats, beavers, rats, venomous snakes or raccoons.
• Do not disturb animals while they are feeding or caring for their young.
• Never try to pet or remove a baby wild animal from its nest, den or habitat.

Anyone bitten by an animal should seek medical attention and report the bite. For questions about animal bites or rabies, residents can contact the Douglas County Environmental Health Division at 541-440-4559 or the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division at 541-440-4328.

Residents who encounter a sick bat or other ill wildlife can contact the ODFW Roseburg Field Office at 541-440-3353 or Umpqua Wildlife Rescue at 541-440-6895.