PRINEVILLE, Ore. — Crook County Public Health on Friday encouraged residents to take simple steps to protect their families and pets from rabies after the virus was recently detected in a bat in Crook County.

Rabies have been found in bats across Oregon, and local health officials say awareness and prevention remain the best defense, the department said in a news release that continues in full below.

Rabies is a serious disease that is most often spread through saliva of an infected bat. It can spread to people and pets through a bite or if an infected bat is eaten by another animal.

“Rabies is preventable, and there are some simple things you can do to reduce your risk of exposure,” said Camille Day, Deputy Director of Crook County Health & Human Services.

Simple steps to reduce risk:

-Avoid contact with bats, whether they appear healthy, sick, alive, or dead.

-Keep children and pets away from bats.

-Do not feed or handle stray animals or wildlife.

-Use screens on windows and doors in living spaces to keep bats out.

-Make sure rabies vaccinations are up to date for dogs and cats.

Oregon law requires rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats. Pets should receive their first vaccination between 3 and 6 months of age, a booster one year later, and booster shots every three years after that.

If you see a bat that is active during the day, inside a building or on the ground and unable to fly, keep children and pets away. Residents can also contact a local wildlife control operator at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, which also has a page about bats in Oregon.

If a person or pet has contact with a bat, or if someone is bitten by any animal, report it right away to Crook County Public Health at 541-447-5165 press 3. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information about rabies, visit the Oregon Health Authority or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.