Limestone County’s rabies inspector confirmed a case of rabies in a bat in Elkmont last week and is warning county residents about the threat of the virus.

The bat was captured around a pool house after it began exhibiting abnormal behavior — namely, flying around during the day, said Dr. Robert Pitman, the county’s rabies inspector who also contracts with Athens and the county to provide veterinary services to the Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter.

“Nobody was exposed (to rabies), but people need to be aware there are bats in barns and around swimming pools at night,” Pitman said.

A feral barn cat could eat a rabid bat and contract the disease,” he said. The feral cat could then pass the virus to a domestic pet or to a human.

Pitman told The News Courier about the case Tuesday afternoon and asked the newspaper to alert the public of the confirmed case “out of a sense of caution.”

What is rabies?

Rabies is an infectious viral disease that affects the nervous system. It paralyzes an animal’s throat, preventing it from drinking. It is more common in the southeast part of the United States and during warmer months.

Wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes and bats can transmit the disease to domesticated cats, dogs, cattle, ferrets and horses, so vaccinating domestic animals against the virus is important.

Each June, county veterinarians offer a low-cost rabies clinic for cats and dogs. This year the cost was $12 per pet. The vaccine is also available year-round at any veterinary office.

State law requires dogs and cats ages 3 months and older to be vaccinated each year against rabies.