Bat Tests Positive for Rabies in Outagamie County

APPLETON, Wis (WISS) Outagamie County Public Health is urging residents to take precautions after a bat recently tested positive for rabies in the county.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, there have been 19 total reported positive rabies results in the state in 2025 so far.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease most often spread to people and pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Cases of rabies in humans are rare in the US. But the most recent positive test of rabies in a bat serves as an important reminder of the need to protect both people and pets.

Ways to Prevent Rabies

The Outgamie County Public Health Division lists these tips for preventing rabies.

• Keep your dogs, cats, ferrets, and other animals up-to-date on vaccines
  • All dogs, cats, and ferrets are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies
• Never touch bats or wild animals
• Do not let pets roam free
• Do not attract wild animals
  • Cover garbage cans securely and do not leave food outside
• Prevent bats from entering your home.
  • If a bat is found inside your home, do not release it until you have spoken with the health department, as testing may be necessary.

Vaccinations are important

“Keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccination is the most effective way to protect your family and community,” said Natalie Vandeveld, Health Officer of Outagamie County Public Health in a press release. “Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, but it is entirely preventable with vaccination.”

Amanda Hildeman, Communications Specialist for Outagamie County Public Health Division, said every year about 30 rabid bats are discovered in the state.

“This is the first year though, since 2022, that Outagamie County has had a positive test result for rabies in a bat,” Hildeman said. “There’s no need  for widespread panic. But this is just a great opportunity to remind people that it is so important to make sure that your pets especially are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. It’s the law. And it also is one of the reasons that we don’t have the issues that other countries have with dogs contracting rabies.”

Hildeman said if you have any contact with a bat at all, call the Public Health Division of your county.

“Bats also leave tiny little scratch marks or tiny little bite marks that you can’t see,” Hildeman said. “So unless you know for sure that you were not exposed to the bat, you need to make sure that you can safely capture it. Then call public health.”

One of the most effective ways to prevent rabies infection is immediate, thorough cleansing of the animal bite or scratch wound with plenty of soap and water for 10-15 minutes. Seek medical attention right away.

The Wisconsin DNR also has plenty of information on bats and managing them on your property.

For questions about rabies exposure, contact Outagamie County Public Health at 920-832-5100.