On Oct. 24, 2024, a bat found near the entrance of Campisi’s restaurant at 8100 Dallas Pkwy in Plano tested positive for rabies. While no known contact with people or pets occurred, the bat was submitted for testing due to the high public traffic in the area.
“This positive test highlights the importance of keeping all vaccinations current — especially rabies — since there is no way to predict when a pet may come into contact with a wild animal,” Animal Services Director Jamey Cantrell said in an official statement.
In September a bat found on the 1700 block of Throwbridge Lane in Plano tested positive for rabies. Although there were no reported interactions with people or pets, the bat was sent for testing due to concerns about its condition.
The Plano Animal Shelter does not routinely test wild animals unless they have had contact with a person or pet. However, exceptions are made for five high-risk non-domestic animals, including bats, foxes, skunks, coyotes and raccoons.
Texas law requires that dogs and cats receive a rabies vaccination by the time they are 4 months old, and it must be given by a licensed veterinarian. For an animal to be considered protected against rabies in potential exposure cases, at least 30 days must pass after the initial vaccination, and the time since the last vaccination must not exceed the interval recommended by the manufacturer for booster shots. Local authorities may impose more frequent vaccination requirements.
Signs of rabies in pets or wildlife may include unusual behavior, such as a wild animal acting unusually "friendly" or a sudden onset of aggression in a pet. Other symptoms, like difficulty walking, eating or drinking, may also be present, though a definitive diagnosis can only be made through testing.
Residents who believe they or their pets may have come into contact with the bat at or near Campisi's are urged to contact Plano Animal Services at 972.769.4360 to report any interactions.
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