Eight bats caught at various locations across Utah have tested positive for rabies, officials confirmed Thursday.
The Utah Public Health Laboratory, located in Taylorsville, has identified the cases out of dozens of bats submitted for testing since January, one of which was confirmed late Wednesday. And although that number is not abnormal, a spokesman for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food said it serves as a reminder for Utahs to protect themselves, their pets and livestock against the potentially fatal virus.
“When a rabid animal or a bat is discovered, it needs to be treated seriously and cautiously,” agency spokesman Larry Lewis said.