How bats can transmit rabies

The rabies virus is present in the saliva of an infected bat. Rabies is transmitted when the virus is introduced into a bite wound or open cut in the skin or mucous membranes, such as the mouth or eyes. The virus then enters the nerves and travels to the brain.

If you are exposed to rabies, you need to get treatment right away. Once symptoms begin, the rabies virus is almost always fatal.

How you can be exposed to rabies from an infected bat

What to do if you had contact with a bat

• Immediately wash any wound or mucous membranes with soap and water. If a bat touched your skin, wash the area as you may not have felt or noticed a bite or scratch. Remove any clothing that might be contaminated with saliva.
• Immediately contact your health care provider. They will treat any wounds and determine the need for post-exposure rabies treatment in consultation with Halton Region Public Health. There are some situations when post-exposure rabies treatment may be recommended, even if you are uncertain if an exposure occurred.
• Do not touch or try to capture the bat. Notify your local Animal Control Services if the bat is available. It may be sent for testing to rule out potential rabies exposure.
  • Burlington: Burlington Animal Shelter and Control (external link), 905-335-7777  
  • Halton Hills: Halton Hills Canine Services (external link), 905-877-6235  
  • Milton: Town of Milton Animal Services (external link), 905-878-7252   ext. 2105
  • Oakville: Oakville & Milton District Humane Society (external link), 905-845-1551  
• Call 311   to report the incident to Halton Region Public Health and a public health inspector will follow up with you.

About bats and rabies

Cases of rabies in humans are rare in Canada. As of September 6, 2024, there has been one locally-acquired case of human rabies reported in Ontario. Previous to this, the last locally-acquired case of human rabies occurred in 1967.

Visit our Rabies – Frequently Asked Questions webpage for up-to-date positive rabies results in Halton region. Rabies cases in Ontario are available on the Rabies cases webpage (external link).

Identifying bats with rabies

It is not always possible to identify if a bat has rabies. However, a rabid bat may:

• move slowly and be unable to fly
• be active during the day
• be unafraid of noises and easily approached

Currently, there is no efficient way to vaccinate bats against rabies.

Facts about bats

Bats are nocturnal animals and are most active in the second and third hours after sunset. During the day, they roost in trees and buildings. They are able to squeeze through spaces as small as 6 mm to access roosts. Bats help reduce the insect population and are vital to the ecosystem.

In Ontario, there are 2 bat species that will usually roost (nest) in homes:

Bat-proof your home

Examine your home for holes that might allow bat entry.

• Caulk any openings larger than a quarter-inch by a half-inch.
• Fill electrical and plumbing holes with stainless steel wool or caulking.
• Use window screens, chimney caps, and draft guards beneath doors to attics.
• Ensure that all doors to the outside close tightly.

Contact a wildlife or pest control company for professional assistance.

What to do if your pet was in contact with a bat

If your pet has come into contact with a bat, call your veterinarian immediately. For more information, refer to Rabies in pets (external link).

White nose syndrome

White-nose syndrome is a fungus that grows on an affected bat’s face, ears and wings and reduces their ability to survive hibernation.

For more information, please visit White-nose syndrome (WNS) (external link).