Bat tests positive for rabies in Weld County
Published on May 07, 2025
A bat found acting unusual on the ground just east of Highland Lake in Mead, Colorado, on May 5, 2025, has tested positive for rabies. The bat was submitted to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment laboratory, and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) received a positive result on May 6, 2025. This marks the first animal to test positive for rabies in Colorado in 2025. If you were in the Highland Lake area on Sunday or Monday and think you or your pet may have had direct contact with this bat, contact WCDPHE at 970-400-2290 as soon as possible.
Rabies is nearly 100% fatal if left untreated. Rabies infects wild animals, including foxes, skunks, raccoons, coyotes and bats. Bats and skunks are the two main carriers of rabies in Colorado. Not all bats have rabies, but if a bat is acting strangely, such as lying on the ground, being out during daylight hours, exhibiting loss of motor skills or acting aggressively, it may be sick.
Health officials stress that all domestic animals, such as cats, dogs, horses and livestock should be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Over the past several years, a variety of animal-to-human contacts have led several dozen Weld County residents to require rabies immune globulin and vaccine for post-exposure treatment.
Rabies is caused by a virus that affects the nervous system. Rabies causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord and is almost always fatal. It is transmitted from saliva of an infected animal through a bite or contact with an open cut, scratch or wound. If a person suspects they have been exposed to rabies, they should contact their medical provider immediately. Effective vaccination treatment is available to prevent rabies if started before symptoms appear. There have been no human deaths related to rabies exposure in Weld County.
To prevent exposure to rabies:
- Do not feed, touch or handle any wild animals.
- Have dogs, cats, horses and livestock vaccinated regularly by a licensed veterinarian.
- Keep a close eye on any new puppy or kitten while it is outdoors until it has received the rabies vaccine and for 28 days after.
- Spay or neuter pets to reduce the number of unwanted or stray animals in the neighborhood.
Contact WCDPHE at (970) 400-2290 for questions or if anyone or their pet has had contact with a wild animal. For after-hours emergencies (outside of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday), contact Weld County Dispatch at (970) 350-9600 and select option 1. For more information on rabies, visit weld.gov/go/zoonosis.