05/07/2025
The Mississippi Board of Animal Health announced today that a bat has tested positive for rabies in Tippah County. Two puppies that had potential exposure to the bat were quarantined.
Protect yourself and your pets against rabies by taking the following precautions:
Do not handle live or dead stray animals and avoid contact with wild animals that can carry the rabies virus such as raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes and coyotes. If you see an animal acting strangely, contact your local Animal Control officials.
If you find a sick or dead bat in your home, contact MSDH (601) 576-7400 to see if the bat should be tested for rabies.
Vaccinate pets against rabies: Dogs, cats, and ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies at 3 months of age, one year later, and every three years thereafter (using a vaccine approved with 3-year immunity), as required by state law. This vaccination must be administered under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
