Bat tests positive for rabies in Monterey County, pets exposed
Updated: 11:56 AM PDT Oct 7, 2025
A Mexican free tailed bat found on September 29th, 2025, in the Cachagua area of unincorporated Monterey County has tested positive for the rabies virus, the County of Monterey has reported. Hitchcock Road Animal Services investigated this incident and determined that there was exposure to owned pet(s) and those pet(s) that were exposed have been placed under quarantine. No human exposure has been identified. Officials also warn that domestic animals, including companion dogs and cats, are at higher risk for rabies once they come in contact with wildlife.Pet owners are reminded to visit veterinarians regularly and keep up with rabies shots.Owners are asked to take the following precautions:Owners should avoid leaving their pets outside unattended, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife can be most active.Owners of domestic livestock species such as horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle should discuss rabies vaccinations with their veterinarian as these species are also susceptible to rabies infections from rabid wild animals.Residents should avoid leaving pet food and water outside because it encourages wildlife activity around the home.People should avoid contact with wildlife, particularly skunks and bats, at all times. Do not touch or approach animals acting strangely. If any wild animals are found dead, acting abnormally or ill, keep your distance and report it to Animal Control at 831-454-7224See more coverage of top Central Coast stories here | Download our app | Download Very Local
CACHAGUA, Calif. —
A Mexican free tailed bat found on September 29th, 2025, in the Cachagua area of unincorporated Monterey County has tested positive for the rabies virus, the County of Monterey has reported.
Hitchcock Road Animal Services investigated this incident and determined that there was exposure to owned pet(s) and those pet(s) that were exposed have been placed under quarantine. No human exposure has been identified.
Officials also warn that domestic animals, including companion dogs and cats, are at higher risk for rabies once they come in contact with wildlife.
Pet owners are reminded to visit veterinarians regularly and keep up with rabies shots.
Owners are asked to take the following precautions:
- Owners should avoid leaving their pets outside unattended, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife can be most active.
- Owners of domestic livestock species such as horses, sheep, goats, pigs and cattle should discuss rabies vaccinations with their veterinarian as these species are also susceptible to rabies infections from rabid wild animals.
- Residents should avoid leaving pet food and water outside because it encourages wildlife activity around the home.
- People should avoid contact with wildlife, particularly skunks and bats, at all times. Do not touch or approach animals acting strangely. If any wild animals are found dead, acting abnormally or ill, keep your distance and report it to Animal Control at 831-454-7224
See more coverage of top Central Coast stories here | Download our app | Download Very Local