THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS URGING PEOPLE TO AVOID CONTACT WITH BATS.

STATE VETERINARIAN, DOCTOR CONNIE AUSTIN SAYS THIS IS THE TIME OF YEAR WHEN BATS ARE MOST ACTIVE.

[audio:bats1.mp3] [/audio]

BATS ARE THE LEADING CARRIER OF RABIES IN ILLINOIS. DOCTOR AUSTIN SAYS IT’S BEST NOT TO TOUCH A BAT IF YOU FIND ONE.

[audio:bats2.mp3] [/audio]

SO FAR THIS YEAR IN ILLINOIS…52 BATS FROM 24 DIFFERENT COUNTIES HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR RABIES.