3:35 p.m. - Bat tests positive for rabies in Hancock County

NEW CUMBERLAND - Jolene Zuros, registered sanitarian from the Hancock County Health Department has confirmed that a bat from the Hardins Run Road area of New Cumberland has been confirmed to have had Rabies.

There was no human contact with the bat. This bat is the first animal to test positive for rabies in 2009.

Zuros urges residents to be very cautious when they are outside and if wild animals are present. Readers are reminded that warm blooded animals may carry the rabies virus.

Animals in addition to raccoons that may be carriers are foxes, skunks, ground hogs, bats, cows, cats, and dogs. Residents are advised that if they encounter an animal acting strangely to contact the Hancock County Dog Warden at 304-564-3311 Extension 292; or the County Sheriff's Department at 304-564-4100.

Residents are advised to take the following precautions:

Do not fee stray or wild animals.

Do not put out excess amounts of domestic animal food. Extra food will attract wild animals.

Fasten trash can lids securely.

Vaccinate your dogs and cats.

Enjoy wild animals from a distance.

Zuros also urges pet owners to get them immunized against rabies. Hancock County will be having its annual rabies clinics jointly sponsored by the Hancock County Commission, Hancock County Dog Warden Department, Hancock County Assessors Office Chester Veterinarian Clinic, Hilltop Animal Hospital and the Hancock County Animal Shelter. Dogs must be on a leash and cats must be in pet carriers.