Benton County Resident's Rabid Backyard Discovery
First Rabies-Positive Bat of 2026 Confirmed in Benton County
Benton County health officials sent a press release reminding residents to avoid direct contact with bats after they confirmed the first rabies-positive bat of 2026.
The incident started on June 15, when a resident discovered a bat on their property that may have come into contact with household pets. The resident brought the bat to the Oregon State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for testing, and two days later (not 28 Days Later), the laboratory confirmed the bat was infected with the rabies virus.
(Photo: Benton County Press Release Handout)
While rabies remains relatively uncommon, bats are a primary wildlife carrier of the disease. Health officials say the finding “serves as an important reminder that the virus continues to circulate in local bat populations.”
“Rabies is present in the bat population, and bats are the primary reservoir of rabies in wild animals for our area of the country,” said Robert Baker of Benton County Environmental Health. “Direct hand contact with bats should always be avoided if possible.”
Despite the health risks, officials emphasize that bats are an important part of our ecosystem. They do consume large numbers of mosquitoes and other insects each night, providing a natural form of pest control. Fear not. Most bats do not carry rabies. Simply seeing a bat or encountering bat droppings does not expose a person to the virus.
Rabies is spread through the bite or scratch of an infected animal or when infected saliva comes into contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound. Que zombie movie references.
Health officials recommend avoiding direct contact with bats. Anyone who is bitten or scratched by a bat should immediately wash the area with soap and water and contact Benton County Environmental Health within 24 hours. If it can be done safely, officials recommend capturing the bat so it can be tested, which may determine whether rabies treatment is necessary.
“All pet owners should make certain that their dogs and cats are vaccinated against rabies,” said Dr. Emillio DeBess, Oregon Health Authority public health veterinarian.
“Protecting pets from rabies can provide a buffer zone of immune animals between humans and rabid wild animals such as bats.”
Rabies cases in humans are rare, but once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal. It is one of the deadliest pathogens on earth.
Anyone whose pet has been in contact with a bat, or who has been bitten or scratched by a bat is encouraged to contact Benton County Environmental Health at 541-766-6835 for guidance.
The Benton County case is the county’s first confirmed rabies-positive bat of 2026.
Do you have a story for The Inquirer? Email: editor@corvallisnow.com
→ Support us
We’ll keep it ad-free even if you don’t.
