February 6, 2026

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department (BEDHD) has confirmed that a bat found in Eaton County tested positive for rabies. The bat was discovered in the Charlotte area and is the first rabies-positive bat identified in the county this year.

Rabies is a serious disease that can spread to people and pets through bites or scratches from infected animals. While rabies is rare, bats are the most common source of rabies exposure for people in Michigan and the United States. Rabies is preventable when possible exposures are reported and treated quickly.

BEDHD reminds residents to avoid all contact with bats. Rabies can spread through small or unnoticed bites or scratches. Any direct contact with a bat should be considered a possible exposure. This includes finding a bat in the same room as a sleeping person, a child, or someone who may not be aware that contact occurred. Anyone who has been bitten by an animal or may have been exposed to a bat should contact BEDHD immediately at (517) 541-2641. Michigan law requires all animal bites to be reported to local Animal Control and the local health department.

Animal Control:
• Barry County: (269) 948-4805
• Eaton County: (517) 543-5755

If someone may have been exposed to a bat, please DO NOT LET THE BAT GO. Safely capture the bat for rabies testing and immediately contact BEDHD. Information on how to collect a bat safely can be found here or in this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNw6hkFEtOk. If the bat is unavailable for testing, treatment will be recommended to prevent rabies. If the bat is tested and does not have rabies, treatment is not needed. BEDHD does not provide preventative treatment for rabies, please contact a healthcare provider for treatment options.

Pet owners are encouraged to keep dogs, cats, and ferrets up to date on rabies vaccinations and limit contact with wildlife. If a pet may have been bitten or scratched by a wild animal, contact a veterinarian right away.

For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/Rabies. To speak with a BEDHD Communicable Disease Nurse during regular business hours, call (517) 541-2641. If it is after hours, please contact us the following business day.