WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) - A bat taken from the Town of Clayton has tested positive for rabies, the Jefferson County Public Health Service reported Friday afternoon.

That brings the total of animals testing positive for rabies this year to 14. So far in 2025, two foxes, ten raccoons and one bobcat also tested positive for rabies.

There are no known human or pet exposures from the Clayton bat, the Public Health Service said in a statement.

Rabies is a fatal disease that attacks the brain and spinal cord. It can take several weeks to several months for rabies symptoms to appear.

Early treatment after an exposure can prevent rabies in humans and in pets who are up to date on vaccination. Any mammal can get rabies, but it is most often seen in bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Animals d

See Full Page