Santa Barbara County Animal Services is reminding pet owners to make sure their pets’ rabies vaccinations are up to date.
This comes after a bat was recently found in a house in Lompoc and it tested positive for rabies.
Rabies is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. It can be passed from wild animals, commonly bats and skunks in Santa Barbara County, to pets.
Symptoms of rabies can include agitation, biting and snapping, drooling, acting disoriented, appearing partially paralyzed, or generally acting sick.
If you notice a typically nocturnal animal that is active during the day and acting abnormally, report it to Animal Services.
Transmission to humans is rare, but it is fatal if not treated.
Rabies vaccinations are recommended for domestic animals including cats, dogs, horses, and livestock.
Vaccines are available from your veterinarian and the Santa Maria Animal Center hosts a vaccine clinic on Mondays and Thursdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
For more information, contact your nearest Animal Services location:
- Santa Barbara Shelter – 5473 Overpass Road, (805) 681-5285
- Lompoc Shelter – 1501 W. Central Avenue, (805) 737-7755
- Santa Maria Animal Center – 548 W. Foster Road, (805) 934-6119
