09/09/2026
⚠️ RABIES ALERT — RAPID CITY 🦠
Today, Black Hills Animal Hospital received confirmation that a bat involved in an exposure with one of our feline patients tested POSITIVE for rabies.
This bat was found within the Rapid City city limits. This is an important reminder that rabies exposure isn’t limited to pets living in the country or on farms and ranches. Rabies-positive wildlife can—and does—occur right here in town.
Thankfully, the cat involved in this case was current on her rabies vaccination We gave her an additional rabies vaccination the day of exposure and she is being quarantined for 45 days. We are not aware of any human exposure at this time (owner was smart and wore gloves to handle the deceased bat).
💉 Please make sure your dogs and cats are current on their rabies vaccinations. Rabies vaccination is required for dogs and cats in South Dakota—and situations like this are exactly why it is so important.
A few reminders:
* Never handle a bat, skunk, raccoon, or other wild mammal, even if it appears sick, injured, or dead.
* Any mammal can potentially carry rabies, but bats, skunks, and raccoons are important wildlife species to be cautious around.
* A bat found in a room with a sleeping person, young child, or someone unable to reliably report contact may be considered a potential rabies exposure. Because bat bites can be very small, don’t simply release the bat before speaking with public health or animal control.
* If your pet has contact with a bat or other wildlife, contact your veterinarian promptly—even if your pet is vaccinated.
* If you believe a person may have been exposed, contact your healthcare provider or public health officials promptly.
Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms develop, but it is preventable. Vaccination matters.
📞 If you’re unsure whether your pet is current on their rabies vaccine, please give us a call. We’re happy to check their records and get them up to date if needed.
Please feel free to share this post as a reminder to our Rapid City community.
Below is a portion of today’s laboratory report confirming the bat tested POSITIVE for rabies.
Melissa Mez DVM
Black Hills Animal Hospital
