Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 19 · column 1 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) are reminding residents that bats become more active and more visible in our communities during the spring. Bats make important contributions to our environment, but like other wild animals, they can carry potentially fatal diseases such as rabies.
Although most of the confirmed rabid animals in the United States are raccoons (2,635 in 2003), humans are more likely to be infected with bat rabies viruses. Since 1990, 29 of 45 human rabies infections have resulted from bat viruses, and only one human has been infected with a raccoon virus. “It is very important for people to avoid contact with any wild animals, or even domestic animals that they don’t know. Bats present a special concern because their tiny bites may not be recognized,” said Suzanne Jenkins, V.M.D., M.P.H, state public health veterinarian. “Less than one percent of bats are infected with rabies. However, bats that are acting abnormal, such as those being active during the day, found in a room of your home or unable to fly, have a higher probability of being positive for rabies.”
“Bats are an important natural resource and valuable assets to our fives,” said Rick Reynolds, VDGIF wildlife diversity biologist, “Several species of bats are now endangered, so we must be mindful of the environmental importance of bats, recognize the value of living safely with them, and seek ways to protect their habitats.”
Through the study of bats, scientists have gained valuable knowledge about sonar, navigational aids for the blind, treatment of strokes, vaccine development, and artificial insemination.
Bats normally fly at night eating various insects including mosquitoes and agricultural pests such as corn borer moths. During the day they roost quietly by hanging upside down.
Bats can enter homes through small openings and may end up roosting in attics. In hot months they may seek cooler temperatures and end up in living spaces. If you find a bat in your home and are sure there has been no human or pet contact, allow the bat to find its way back outdoors by closing off the room, turning on the fights and opening all windows and doors.
If bats are roosting in the house, you will need to find out how they get in by observing their exit holes at dusk. Once you have found the holes where the bats gain access, these areas should be loosely covered with plastic sheeting
95.3%