To date this year, the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) Animal Disease Laboratory has confirmed six positive rabies cases, all in bats in Washoe and Clark and Washoe Counties. Rabies is common in bats throughout Nevada, and bat activity tends to increase between the months of May and October. Dr. JJ Goicoechea, NDA state veterinarian says “Always avoid direct contact with any bat, and never touch them without gloves and adds, “Don’t allow exposure to children or domestic animals.” Any bats, dead or alive, that may have been in contact with people or domestic animals should immediately be submitted to the Animal Disease Laboratory for testing and reported to county animal control and health authorities. In the state of Nevada, rabies vaccination is required for dogs, cats and ferrets.