Rabies Prevention (Bat Exposures & Animal Bite Reporting)

BATS

Bat Exposures — High Priority for Reporting

Bats are the most common source of rabies exposure in Iowa. Because bat bites can be small and difficult to detect, any potential contact with a bat should be reported immediately.

Report immediately if:

• A person wakes up and finds a bat in the room

• A bat is found in a room with a sleeping person, child, or vulnerable adult

• There has been direct contact with a bat and a bite or scratch cannot be ruled out

• A pet has had contact with a bat

Reporting (Bat Exposure)

1. Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water

2. Seek medical care or contact your healthcare provider

3. Report the bite or bat exposure to the Environmental Health Department at 563-652-1729

4. Follow guidance provided by your healthcare privider and your local environmental health department 

Rabies Exposure Management For Bat-Related Incidents

Prompt reporting allows for timely prevention measures and helps keep Jackson County residents safe and rabies-free.

Report an Animal Bite/Bat Exposure

How to Safely Prepare a Bat for Rabies Testing

If a bat is involved in a potential human or pet exposure, it is important that the bat be safely captured and preserved for rabies testing. Do not release the bat until guidance is provided by the Health Department.

If the Bat is Alive

1. Do not touch the bat with bare hands.
   Always use thick gloves, a towel, or a container.

2. Safely contain the bat:

   • Put on thick gloves.

   • Place a container (coffee can, plastic container, box) over the bat.

   • Slide cardboard under the container to trap the bat inside.

   • Tape the container closed securely.

3. Avoid damaging the head.
   The brain must remain intact for rabies testing.

4. Contact the Health Department immediately for instructions:
   Jackson County Health Department: 563-652-1729

If the Bat is Dead

1. Do not handle with bare hands.
   Use gloves or a shovel.

2. Do not damage the head.
   The head/brain must be intact for testing.

3. Place the bat in a secure container:

   • Double bag in plastic bags or

   • Place in a sealed container with a lid.

4. Keep the bat cold — NOT frozen if possible.

   • Place container in a refrigerator

   • If refrigeration is not available, place on ice in a cooler

   • Avoid direct contact with ice or water if possible

5. Label the container with:

   • Date

   • Location found

   • Contact name/phone

6. Contact the Health Department for transport instructions.

Important Reminders

• Never release a bat involved in a possible exposure until public health guidance is given

• Do not attempt to test or dispose of the bat yourself

• Prompt testing helps determine whether rabies post-exposure treatment is needed

For questions or to arrange testing, contact:
Jackson County Health Department
563-652-1729

DOMESTICATED ANIMALS

10-Day Animal Confinement (dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, etc.)

State and local laws require that dogs, cats, and ferrets, or any other domesticated animal that have bitten or potentially exposed a human to rabies be confined and observed for 10 days, regardless of their rabies vaccination status. If at any time during the confinement period the animal shows signs of rabies, it must be immediately euthanized and tested.

If your dog, cat, or ferret has been involved in a biting incident, contact our office as soon as possible at 563-652-1729 so we can assist you with appropriate at-home confinement procedures.

Rabies Exposure Prevention (Domesticated Animals)

Protect yourself and your pets from rabies:

• Vaccinate all dogs against rabies at 6 months of age (required by law)

• Vaccinate cats against rabies, including barn cats

• Keep rabies vaccinations current

• Avoid contact with stray or unknown animals

Reporting (Domesticated Animal Bites/Scratches)

1. Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water

2. Seek medical care or contact your healthcare provider

3. Report the bite or bat exposure to the Environmental Health Department at 563-652-1729

4. Follow guidance provided by your healthcare privider and your local environmental health department. 

Prompt reporting allows for timely prevention measures and helps keep Jackson County residents safe and rabies-free.

Report an Animal Bite/Bat Exposure