MANOR, Texas -- A Manor Police Department Animal Control officer found a living Mexican free-tailed bat that tested positive for rabies Monday, April 16.
According to a press release, the officer was dispatched to 300 Block of West Eggleston Street in Old Town Manor on a "dangerous animal call." The bat was located in the front yard of a residence near the roadway by a resident who picked up the bat to secure it in a shoebox. Manor Animal Control advises the public not to touch any bats.
The Mexican free-tailed bat was humanely euthanized and submitted for testing to the Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin where the results were found positive for rabies.
The resident was notified and was urged to seek medical attention, Manor police said.
According to the press release, Manor police are activating a Rabies Alert Notice, due to the positive results. Texts, email alerts, and social media posts will be sent out by the police to educate their residents.
In a public health notice released by Manor police, they defined a rabies exposure as:
- An animal bite which breaks the skin
- Exposure of broken skin or mucous membranes to saliva or cerebrospinal fluid
Rabies is a risk for people and animals. If you had contact with this bat, call the Manor Animal Control Unit immediately at 512-272-8177.
