Record numbers of rabid bats are being found in Ventura County, triggering health and animal service leaders to urge people not to touch the animals and to vaccinate pets.
As of Sept. 25, 28 bats had tested positive for rabies this year, continuing a surge that was reported last year when 22 dead bats tested positive for the virus
. The tallies are more than double the previous high of 11 bats in 2018, according to state online records that date back 13 years.No human rabies have been reported in Ventura County in many years, and the last rabies death statewide was 2024 in Fresno County.
Exact reasons for the rabid bat surge are unknown, according to county officials. Debate continues about whether the increase means more rabies is circulating
or if increased awareness of bats and rabies is bringing more reports of the animals.
“We don’t know... Many counties in California are trying to understand that,” said Dr. Uldine Castel, county health officer, noting the rise in rabid bats has been reported across the state and nation.
Donna Gillesby, deputy director of Ventura County Animal Services, said there is reason for concern because a greater percentage of the bats being tested are coming up positive.
"They just keep coming in. It's been pretty crazy," she said, noting reports of bats have been particularly high in the last "couple of months." Also on the rise are reports of bats that have had contact with other animals, increasing the risk of the disease spreading.
“This is something everyone needs to know: Not to touch bats and to keep your animals away from them and to call us immediately,” Gillesby said.
When bats are found in homes or on the ground in public places or are suspected of being ill, Animal Services workers euthanize the animals and submit them to Public Health for testing in the form of a brain autopsy.
Rabies is almost always fatal if undetected before symptoms emerge. The incubation period can range from several days to months.
Vaccinations in the form of multiple shots can still be used after a person is infected but need to be administered as quickly as possible. The shots are usually covered by insurance but can cost thousands of dollars for people who have no coverage.
All of the county's rabid animal cases in the past two years have involved bats though other mammals, including skunks, raccoons and foxes can carry the disease.
Ventura County requires all dogs receive rabies vaccinations, Gillesby said. The same measure is recommended with cats and is mandated in some cities, including Moorpark and Oxnard.
Some observers worry reports about rabid bats generate more fear about misunderstood animals that provide pest control and pollinate plants. In December, bat ecologist Jill Carpenter told The Star a very small percentage of all bats are infected but the numbers rise in grounded bats.
“If people are properly educated, we can kind of make space together,” she said. “We can coexist together but we do need to have some logical rules.”
Many bats have tiny teeth. A bite or scratch can be painless and leave a mark smaller than an eraser on a pencil. If people suspect they may have been bitten, they should contact a doctor immediately. They should also wash the suspected bite carefully.
Los Angeles County Public Health reported 68 rabid bats as of Sept. 22, compared to 69 in all of 2025. Officials there offered more guidance on what people should do.
- Bats are protected wildlife. It’s illegal to kill, harm or keep a bat.
- If you find a bat outside that is not moving, place a box or bucket over it and call animal services.
- If you see a bat inside your house and did not see it enter, isolate and close off the room. Then call animal services.
Gillesby, of Ventura County Animal Services, said the most important advice is to avoid any contact.
“Don’t touch them. Call us,” she said. Animal Service can be reached at 805-388-4341.
Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tom.kisken@vcstar.com.
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This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: More Ventura County bats are testing positive for rabies
