This information is intended for public health professionals. Please visit our rabies webpage for general information and number of rabid bats found in Washington State.
Rabies, Suspected Human Exposure
Suspected Rabies Human Exposure Page
Surveillance and Reporting Guideline (PDF)
Assessment of Rabies Exposures and Guidance on Rabies PEP (PDF)
How to capture a bat
Instructions to safely capture a bat for rabies testing (PDF)
Animal euthanasia
Local health jurisdictions should contact veterinarians in their jurisdiction to solicit assistance with animal euthanasia.
The Michigan Rabies Working Group and the Bat World Sanctuary maintain lists of acceptable means of bat euthanasia, to be performed by vaccinated personnel with appropriate personal protective equipment, including: inhalant anesthetics and injectable anesthetics.
Physical methods of euthanasia such as cervical dislocation or decapitation are not acceptable for the euthanasia of bats due to concern for rabies exposure. Freezing is never an acceptable means of attempting euthanasia.
Humane Euthanasia of Bats for Public Health Rabies Testing (Michigan Rabies Working Group) (PDF)
Insectivorous Bat Euthanasia (Bat World Sanctuary) (PDF)
Rabies Specimen Submission
Human specimen testing: consult your local health jurisdiction.
Animal Testing Submission Form (PDF)
Animal Specimen Packaging Procedure (PDF)
Animal Specimen Submission Guidelines (PDF)
Rabies, Human
Surveillance and Reporting Guideline (PDF)
Additional Rabies Resources
Guide for Veterinary Offices - Handling Calls about Bat Encounters (PDF)
Rabies Activity in Washington State