Health department urges caution around bats

SANTA FE – A bat in Sandoval County tested positive for rabies – the ninth animal rabies case in the state in 2026.

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reports the bat was found in a private home, euthanized, and then sent to the NMDOH Scientific Laboratory Division for testing.  All people and animals exposed are receiving post-exposure vaccines to prevent disease.

If you encounter a bat, do not pick it up or touch it with bare hands or allow your pets to interact with it. People who have direct contact with a bat, who wake to find a bat in their room or who cannot reliably report whether contact with a bat occurred should receive a rabies vaccination. Ensure pets receive regular rabies vaccines.

“Rabies is nearly 100% fatal, but 100% preventable,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH.  “State law requires all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies must be euthanized or isolated for four months to prevent human exposure."

In New Mexico, rabies is most often found in wildlife such as foxes, skunks, bobcats and bats. The state confirmed 13 rabid animals in 2025, and 12 in 2024. While bats are the animal most commonly found with rabies in New Mexico, all mammals are susceptible. Rabid wild animals may show no fear of people and may be aggressive, or they may be quiet and appear tame.

If you see a sick wild animal, or a wild animal acting abnormally, report it to your local animal control officer or the New Mexico Department of Wildlife at (888) 248-6866.

NMDOH recommends the following to prevent rabies: 

• Keep your pets up to date on vaccinations and ensure they wear tags on their collar confirming their vaccination status.  
• If your cat or dog has been bitten or scratched, especially by a wild animal, call your pet’s veterinarian even if the wound is superficial.   
• Avoid wild or unfamiliar animals. Do not attempt to feed them. Don’t approach or touch wild animals (alive or dead). Teach this important message to your children and keep a close eye on your kids around unfamiliar animals.   
• In the event of an animal bite or exposure to saliva, wash the affected area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water, and seek medical attention promptly.  
• People who have direct contact with a bat, who wake to find a bat in their room or who cannot reliably report whether contact with a bat occurred should receive a rabies vaccination.

Report any exposure or bite to your local animal control and call the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833 796-8773). You can also text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).

For more info about rabies visit: https://nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zdp/rab/.

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We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Barre at (505) 699-9237 (Office) with your questions.