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Free Rabies Clinic Set for Great Falls After Bat Case in County
Officials said rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop and urged residents to keep pets vaccinated and avoid contact with wildlife.
- On Friday, August 28, the Cascade City-County Health Department confirmed a bat in Cascade County tested positive for rabies. Officials are urging residents to exercise caution around wildlife, as bats are the animals most likely to carry the fatal viral disease in Montana.
- Health officials warn that bat bites can be difficult to detect due to small teeth, advising residents to seal homes against entry. Anyone potentially exposed should contact a health provider immediately, as preventive treatment is nearly 100 percent successful if administered before symptoms develop.
- Local regulations require current rabies vaccinations for dogs older than six months in Cascade County, while Great Falls city rules mandate shots for dogs and cats older than four months. Officials emphasize that keeping pets vaccinated is a critical step in preventing rabies transmission.
- The Great Falls Animal Shelter will host a free rabies vaccination clinic for pets on Monday, September 28, in observance of World Rabies Day. Vaccinations are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with no appointments required for the event.
- Support from Fetch and the Mazzolini family, provided through Dan's Pet Food Pantry in honor of Dan Mazzolini, made the clinic possible. Operations Manager Laramie Smovir emphasized that removing cost barriers helps families keep pets protected against the local risk.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources45
Leaning Left5Leaning Right13Center23Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
12%
C 56%
R 32%
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