Sutter County dogs quarantined after exposure to a rabid bat

Two pet dogs in Sutter County are under quarantine for six months after they were exposed to a rabid bat.

The lengthy quarantine is necessary because the dogs’ rabies shots had expired, according to a news release from the county’s Animal Services Authority. If the dogs are deemed in good health at the end of the six-month period, the quarantine will be lifted.

This is the second case of dogs encountering rabid bats in the past 40 days, Sutter County officials said.

The The first instance involved two other pet dogs, and the encounter occurred between the communities of Meridian and Sutter. Those dogs had current rabies vaccinations and have been released in good health after completing a 30-day quarantine, officials said.

They stressed the importance of vaccinating cats and dogs for rabies.

People who encounter wild animals suspected of being sick are advised to immediately call the Sutter Animal Services Authority at 530-822-7375.

This story was originally published October 3, 2016 at 9:09 PM with the headline "Sutter County dogs quarantined after exposure to a rabid bat."