BOISE, ID – A bat discovered earlier this week in front of the Owyhee Building on Main Street in Downtown Boise has tested positive for rabies, according to Central District Health (CDH). The confirmation came on Wednesday, June 18, following laboratory testing.
While rabies is relatively rare in bats, the virus poses a serious health risk to both humans and animals. CDH urges anyone who may have come into close contact with the bat to speak with a healthcare provider to determine if post-exposure rabies treatment is necessary. Additionally, the public is encouraged to call CDH at (208) 375-5211 to consult with an epidemiologist.
Officials remind the public not to handle bats with bare hands. Those needing to safely capture a bat should wear thick gloves and use a secure container without direct contact. Testing for rabies can be coordinated through local health authorities.
Residents are also advised to ensure their pets, including indoor cats, are vaccinated against rabies, as domestic animals may encounter bats outdoors or even inside homes. To prevent bats from entering living spaces, homes should be bat-proofed—especially in the fall when most bats have migrated—by sealing entry points and maintaining tight-fitting window screens.
For additional information on rabies prevention, bat-proofing homes, or what to do if a bat is found indoors, visit the following resources:
- Idaho Fish and Game
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Rabies Info
- Bat-Proofing Guide
- Central District Health Rabies Resource
Anyone with additional questions may contact Stephanie Borders, Communications Manager at CDH, at (208) 327-8639 or sborders@cdh.idaho.gov.
