The city of Aurora and the Aurora Animal Control and Care are reminding all residents to protect themselves and their pets after a wild bat tested positive for rabies recently.

The bat was discovered flying around a bedroom at a home on Liberty Street on Aurora’s Near East Side. An AACC Officer captured the bat before it could bite any person or pet. Following standard procedures, the Kane County Animal Control then submitted it to the Illinois Department of Public Health for rabies testing and the positive test was determined.

“The positive test reinforces that animals, especially wild animals, carry rabies and they are a real threat to domestic pets,” said Richard Smith, city of Aurora AACC manager. “Not only are rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats required by city ordinance, but they will literally save your pet should they be exposed to rabies.”

Rabies is a rare but critically dangerous disease spread through animal bites. Animals most likely to spread rabies include bats, coyotes, foxes, skunks and raccoons, but domestic dogs and cats are also susceptible. Free-roaming pets that have not been vaccinated are most at risk for contracting rabies.

Symptoms of rabies in both humans and animals include fever, headache, excess salivation, muscle spasms, paralysis, and mental confusion. Seek immediate medical attention after a bite or a suspected bite.

Vaccines can prevent infection and city ordinance requires that all dogs and cats four months and older be vaccinated against rabies and registered with the city. Vaccinations are available from veterinarians. Low-cost vaccinations are also available to Aurora residents on a monthly basis at the Aurora Animal Control and Care, 600 S. River St.

For more information, contact AACC at 630-256-3630.

SOURCE: city of Aurora news release

Kane County Animal Control Rabies Registration

Kane County Animal Control oversees rabies registration, protects public safety and ensures the humane care of animals through sheltering, pet placement, education and animal law enforcement.

KCAC is responsible for the enforcement of the County Animal Control Ordinance. Together with local law enforcement and city animal controls, we ensure the humane treatment of animals in Kane County. Depending on where you live in Kane County, you may be served by your local animal control facility, your police department, a state-level agency, or KCAC. For the quickest handling of your concern, first determine whether you live in an incorporated or unincorporated area of the county to make sure you contact the appropriate agency.

If you live in an incorporated village, town, or city:

For concerns, complaints, and stray animals, contact your police department or town hall first. The police will handle the matter, and will contact KCAC for assistance when necessary. If you are a resident of Elgin or Aurora, your city’s animal control facility should be your first point of contact.

For more information, visit this page of the Kane County Animal Control website.

About the City of Aurora, IL

Located 35 miles west of Chicago, Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois with a population of 200,456. Aurora is known as the “City of Lights” because it was one of the first in the nation to illuminate its streets with electric lights.  Situated along the Fox River and the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway (Interstate 88), the city extends 46 square miles encompassing Kane, DuPage, Kendall and Will counties.  Aurora also is home to six public school districts and seven townships. For the latest news, access to an archive of past news releases or to follow the city on Facebook or Twitter, visit the city’s website at www.aurora-il.org.