Cat in St. Louis County euthanized after bite from rabid bat
By Associated Press
2:03 PM CDT, September 14, 2009

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) — A cat in suburban St. Louis had to be euthanized after the animal was bitten by a bat with rabies.

The incident prompted a warning from the St. Louis County Health Department on Monday to make sure their pets are protected against rabies.

The cat bitten in Wildwood was not vaccinated.

Health officials warn that a bat should not be touched or released if it is discovered in a residential area. The bat should be tested for rabies.

Residents are also warned against trying to capture a live bat, but to instead confine it to a room and call animal control officers.