Cook County Releases Halloween Rabid Bat Map to Highlight Rabies Prevention

Three rabid bats have been found so far this year

The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control (ARC) has released an interactive map of locations where bats that have tested positive for rabies were found in Cook County. So far this year, three rabid bats have been identified. The Halloween-themed map is designed to raise awareness about rabies prevention.  

“Rabies is a completely preventable disease and is always fatal to unvaccinated pets,” said ARC Administrator Dr. Mamadou Diakhate, DVM. “Ensuring your dogs and cats are current on rabies vaccinations and other vaccinations is critical to their health and yours.” 

According to Dr. Diakhate, these bats are usually found inside people’s homes, and pets that primarily stay indoors still have the potential to be exposed to rabies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 60 to 70 dogs and 250 cats contract rabies each year. 

The Forest Preserves of Cook County has been actively surveying and researching bats for more than four decades, documenting nine species in Cook County. About half of Cook County bat species are colonial and roost in groups of hundreds or even thousands of individuals. The other species are solitary and can be found hanging alone or in small maternal family groups in trees and shrubs. 

Cook County’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department created the map using data provided by ARC. "A GIS map helps turn statistics into a story,” said Wig Ingente, GIS program coordinator. “We're using this technology to transform abstract health warnings into a tangible, visual tool that helps residents instantly understand the real-world risk in their own neighborhoods."   

To help prevent the spread of rabies throughout the County, ARC hosts low-cost or free Partners in Prevention clinics, where rabies vaccines and microchips are administered to County pets. ARC has hosted more than 50 clinics this year, vaccinating more than 6,000 pets against rabies and administering approximately 3,000 microchips.  

Wild animals such as bats should never be handled by residents. Wild bats play an important role in the County’s ecosystem, consuming large amounts of insects, including mosquitoes. A single, half-ounce little brown bat can eat half its body weight in insects each night. 

Healthy bat populations reflect a complex ecosystem that provides the food and habitat they need. “Bats are amazing flying mammals that act as important bio monitors, helping to indicate the health of our environment,” said Chris Anchor, senior wildlife biologist for the Forest Preserves of Cook County. 

Rabies is almost always fatal to humans if left untreated. The viral disease is transmitted through saliva and spreads when an infected animal scratches or bites another animal or human. According to the CDC, if someone has been in contact with any wildlife or unfamiliar animals, particularly if bitten or scratched, they should consult a healthcare or public health professional to determine the risk of rabies or other illnesses. 

For more information about rabies prevention, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/service/rabies-prevention.