Public Health Urges Caution Following Increase in Bat Exposures
August 8, 2025 – The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health (now legally merged) are urging residents to avoid handling bats after a noticeable spike in bat-related exposures this summer.
Attempting to capture a bat indoors can increase your chances of being bitten or scratched, which raises the risk of being exposed to the rabies virus. If there was no direct contact with a bat, meaning it did not touch or land on a person, the risk of rabies is extremely low. Rabies is a viral disease that spreads through the saliva of animals and is known to infect bats throughout Ontario.
What to Do if you Discover a Bat Indoors
If you find a live bat in your home and there was no direct contact:
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Do not touch or attempt to capture it.
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Confine it to a room, turn off the lights, and open a window to allow it to fly out on its own.
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If the bat does not leave, contact a pest control professional for safe removal.
What to Do if you or Someone you Know has Come in Contact with a Bat
If bitten, scratched, or if any physical contact with a bat occurred:
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Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water (or hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable)
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Immediately consult a healthcare provider about post-exposure treatment or call the Health Unit.
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Rabies is preventable with timely treatment, but once symptoms appear, it is fatal.
When is Medical Treatment Recommended
Rabies exposure treatment, also called post exposure prophylaxis, is recommended if a bat touches or lands on you and it is possible that you were bitten, scratched, or got bat saliva in a cut, your mouth, eyes, or nose, even if you are not sure.
If a bat is found in a bedroom or sleeping area, with a child or individuals who are unable to give a reliable assessment (ex. deep sleepers, intoxicated, unable to communicate etc.) of direct contact with the bat, contact your healthcare provider.
If you find a dead bat indoors or on your property, contact the Health Unit.
Protect Your Pets from Rabies
Rabid bats also pose a risk to pets. Ensure your pet’s rabies vaccination is up to date. In Ontario, rabies vaccination is required by law for domestic cats and dogs.
Cats and dogs are natural predators that often catch and kill or injure bats. If your pet catches a bat, contact your veterinarian immediately to ensure it receives rabies vaccine/booster. The veterinarian can also arrange to send the bat for testing.
Report Unusual Bat Deaths:
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Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre: 1-866-673-4781
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Natural Resources Information Support Centre: 1-800-387-7011
For more information on rabies prevention, visit www.hkpr.on.ca/rabies.
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If you live in the County of Haliburton, City of Kawartha Lakes, or Northumberland County, call 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5006.
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If you live in the County or City of Peterborough, call 705-743-1000.
Did You Know We Merged?
As of January 1, 2025, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough Public Health merged to form the Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Public Health (legal name only).
Efforts are currently underway to develop an operational name and a brand identity. In the meantime, you will see logos and other marketing material from both legacy organizations. You may also see references and documents using the legal name Haliburton Kawartha Northumberland Peterborough Public Health.
Partners and members of the public should continue to engage with their local public health offices as usual until otherwise directed.
Media Contacts:
Ashley Beaulac, Manager of Communication Services,
HKPR District Health Unit, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca
1-866-888-4577, ext. 1212
OR
Media Relations, Peterborough Public Health,
media@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
705-743-1000, ext. 352