Overview

• A wild bat infected with rabies was discovered at the base of the public elevator in the African Loop of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park on May 7.
• The bat was a wild animal, not part of the Safari Park’s exhibits, and was safely collected by trained staff before testing positive for rabies at the County Public Health Laboratory.
• Health officials are asking anyone who had physical contact with the bat to contact County Public Health Services, as rabies is nearly always fatal without prompt treatment.
• Rabies transmission can occur through bites or contact with a bat’s saliva on cuts, abrasions, or mucous membranes; those who did not touch the bat are not at risk.
• This is the third rabid bat identified in San Diego County this year, highlighting the need for public awareness and safe wildlife interaction practices.