07/16/2025
Rabies is real and it’s right next door! Most people think of raccoons as the main carrier for rabies, but actually the worst offender in our area is the bat 🦇. Most of you would know if you got bitten by a raccoon, but did you know you can be bitten by a bat and not know it?! Bats have very small teeth and their bites are usually painless.
Rabies is a FATAL disease. Our only option is prevention, so please make sure your pets are current on their rabies vaccination at the bare minimum!
Rabies Case Confirmed in Henry County – Public Health Advisory
The Henry County Health Department is notifying the public of a confirmed case of rabies in a bat found at Baker Park in New Castle on July 11, 2025. At this time, no known human or pet exposures have been reported.
As a precaution, residents are strongly encouraged to take the following steps to protect themselves and their pets:
Vaccinate pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) against rabies
Avoid handling or feeding wild animals
Keep pets indoors or on a leash
Report sick or oddly behaving wildlife to the DNR at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife
Contact local animal control or law enforcement regarding stray animals in your area
🔍 If you or your pet had potential contact with a bat in Baker Park, please call the Henry County Health Department at (765) 521-7059 (Option #2) for a rabies risk assessment.
Rabies is a serious and often fatal disease but it is preventable. Please stay alert and take the appropriate precautions.
