Reports of Rabid Bats Climb in Ventura County

An unexplained rise in rabid bats across Ventura County has officials urging caution.

Here is what to know 👇

Read this if you spend time outdoors, have pets, or follow public health updates.

📍 Key Stats

• 21 bats have tested positive for rabies in 2025
• That’s up from 6 in 2024 and 4 in 2023
• Over 100 bats have been tested this year
• No human cases reported in Ventura County this year

⚠️ Why This Is a Concern

Bats carry rabies more often when grounded or behaving unusually. Though rabies in bats is rare, it is nearly always fatal if untreated.

• Rabies is transmitted through bites or scratches
• Many infected bats are discovered in populated areas
• The disease has an incubation period ranging from days to months

🧪 Testing & Response

• Bats are euthanized and tested via brain tissue analysis
• Most testing occurs when bats are found indoors or on the ground
• Public Health and Animal Services are tracking bat activity closely

🚫 What to Do If You Find a Bat

• Do not touch it
• Cover it with a box or container and call animal services
• If a bat is found in your home and the entry is unknown, isolate the area and seek help
• Make sure pets are vaccinated for rabies

💬 Expert Insight

Dr. Uldine Castel from Ventura County Public Health said increased awareness may explain part of the rise in bat reports.

Ecologist Jill Carpenter suggested factors like drought, suburban development, and heat waves may be stressing bats and grounding them more frequently.

🧠 The Bottom Line

Ventura County has seen a sharp increase in rabid bats, triggering calls for awareness and pet vaccination. While no human cases have occurred locally, officials emphasize caution and early medical attention if exposure is suspected.