BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Crawford County Public Health is reminding residents of the importance of protecting themselves and their pets from rabies following confirmation that a bat found within the city limits of Bucyrus, Ohio tested positive for the deadly virus.
Crawford County Public Health submitted the bat to the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and it was confirmed positive for rabies on October 21, 2026. No human bites were reported. However, the homeowner discovered his dogs outside playing with the bat while it was still alive, creating a potential rabies exposure for the animals.
Fortunately, the dog owner confirmed his dogs had previously received rabies vaccinations and he is following the post-exposure instructions provided by his veterinarian. “This situation is an important reminder of why keeping our pets current on their rabies vaccinations is so critical,” said Kate Siefert, Health Commissioner for Crawford County Public Health. “Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is preventable. Vaccinating our pets, avoiding contact with wildlife, and taking appropriate action when a bat is found can help protect both our families and our pets.”
Bats Seek Shelter as Temperatures Drop
Bats are extremely beneficial to our environment because they consume large numbers of insects. But as temperatures cool across Ohio, some species of bats begin seeking sheltered locations where they can hibernate for the winter. This sometimes brings them into our homes, garages, attics, and other residential areas. Although most bats do not have rabies, bat-strain rabies has been identified in almost every county in Ohio. Residents should never assume a bat is free of rabies based on its appearance or behavior. Residents should avoid handling bats and take appropriate precautions when one is discovered indoors or in contact with a pet.
How Rabies Spreads and What Symptoms to Watch For
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, including humans, dogs, cats, and wildlife. The virus is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite. Transmission may also occur if infected saliva comes into contact with an open wound or the eyes, nose, or mouth. Simply being near a bat does not transmit rabies, but bat bites can be extremely small and may go unnoticed.
Early symptoms of rabies in humans may include fever, headache, weakness, and unusual tingling or discomfort near the bite site. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include confusion, agitation, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, and paralysis. Once clinical symptoms develop, rabies is nearly always fatal. However, prompt medical evaluation and post-exposure treatment can prevent the disease following a potential exposure.
In pets, signs may include unusual behavior, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, weakness, or paralysis. Animals may also become unusually quiet or withdrawn.
What Should You Do if You Find a Bat?
Crawford County Public Health recommends the following precautions:
- Avoid direct contact. Never touch a bat with bare hands, even if it appears dead.
- Isolate the bat. Close doors to prevent it from entering other areas of the home. Keep children and pets away.
- Do not immediately release the bat. If it was found in a bedroom, near a sleeping person, unattended child, or someone unable to reliably report a bite, contact public health officials to determine whether testing is necessary.
- Capture the bat safely, if possible. Wear thick protective gloves and use a container and stiff cardboard to secure the bat without directly handling it. Contact Crawford County Public Health for guidance.
- Contact your veterinarian if a pet was exposed. If your dog or cat was bitten by, played with, or had contact with a bat, contact your veterinarian immediately, even if your pet has been vaccinated.
- Contact Crawford County Public Health. Staff can help determine whether rabies testing or additional follow-up is necessary.
Residents should not crush, freeze, or otherwise damage a bat intended for rabies testing. Contact the health department for instructions on safe handling, humane euthanasia when necessary, and transport.
Anyone who has been bitten or scratched by a bat should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and seek prompt medical attention. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.
Protect Your Pets – Keep Rabies Vaccinations Current
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect dogs and cats from rabies. Even pets that spend most of their time indoors can encounter bats or other potentially rabid wildlife.
Crawford County Public Health encourages all pet owners to:
- Keep dogs, cats, and other eligible pets current on rabies vaccinations.
- Avoid allowing pets to interact with bats or other wildlife.
- Contact a veterinarian immediately following any suspected exposure.
- Follow all veterinary and public health recommendations for booster vaccinations, observation, or other necessary precautions.
“Finding a bat in your home can be frightening, but knowing what to do makes a difference,” Siefert added. “This incident is a good reminder to check your pets’ vaccination records now, before a potential exposure occurs.”
For More Information
Residents who discover a bat in their home or suspect a rabies exposure are encouraged to contact:
Crawford County Public Health at 419-562-5871. Additional rabies prevention information is available through the Ohio Department of Health at https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/zoonotic-disease-program/diseases/rabies.