I don't know abut you but I have never seen a bat, dead or alive, in all my years living in Killeen. I've seen them fly away in Austin but never here or on Fort Hood.  They are here and some of them are vampires!

 

No, not really vampires, but some of them do have rabies.  Fort Hood has discovered two this year.

 

The Public Affairs Office sent out a press release about another rabid bat that was found near the Department of Public Works motor pool, building 4001.

 

The bat tested positive for rabies, now they must find out if anybody was exposed to it.

 

According to Dr. John Kuczek, officer in charge of the Fort Hood VETCEN,   “Sometimes people will shoo the bat out of the house not thinking about getting it tested.”  Kuczek also noted, “Children, sleeping adults and intoxicated individuals may not know they have been bitten as bat bites are often not severe enough to see or feel.”  Therefore, it is important to know the signs and symptoms associated with rabies and seek care if you suspect exposure.

Bottom line, if you find a bat in your house contact the MP's.  Don't touch em, and tell your kids to leave them alone, even if they are flopping around on the ground.  Just call the Military Police at (254) 287 – 4001.

 

Here is a video so you can see how rabies affects our pets.

 

 

The rabid bat is the fifth case of rabies on Fort Hood since May 12. The first was a skunk found in a motor pool on Motorpool Road. The second, on May 16, involved a dark gray and white kitten that attacked a Fort Hood resident outside a home on Central Drive. The third case, on June 6, was a young fox found in the vicinity of the LV Phantom area and building 53905 near Clarke Road. The fourth case was a bat found near the DPW motorpool.

Public Health Command and the Fort Hood Veterinary Center strongly urge all Fort Hood Soldiers, civilians, contractors and residents to be aware and avoid handling wild or stray animals.

If you notice any wildlife or stray animals acting abnormally, or displaying neurologic or aggressive behavior, please contact the Military Police at (254) 287-4001. If you believe you have already come into contact with an animal displaying any of these symptoms please go directly to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Emergency Department for immediate care.

Get more rabies information by visiting these Web sites: www.cdc.gov/rabies or http://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/discond/aid/Pages/Rabies.aspx.

 

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