Texas partment quarantined for rabies after bats found

[Wayne Harrison]

Apartments quarantined because of bats

By Velda Hunter
TheFacts.com

Published July 22, 2006

LAKE JACKSON — As the sun settled and nightfall approached in Lake Jackson, watchful eyes of residents looked toward the sky and buildings Friday to see the winged neighbors forcing them out of their homes.

“Are we going to be safe?â€

[Wayne Harrison]

July 22, 2006, 10:40PM

PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT
Colony of bats fans rabies fears
Residents moved from Lake Jackson complex where 2 animals tested positive for virus

By PAIGE HEWITT and JENNIFER LEAHY
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

A day after dozens of families were forced out of their "sickening" Lake Jackson apartments where two bats tested positive for rabies, authorities were scrambling Sunday to figure out how to kill or contain thousands of bats still in the walls, attics and crawl spaces.

Brazoria County health officials have declared the situation a public health emergency and have "serious concerns" whether any of the residents may have been exposed to rabies, which can be fatal.

So far, at least two Casa Del Lago residents who had contact with bats are being evaluated and may undergo a series of anti-rabies shots, said Brazoria County Director of Health Dr. Leo O'Gorman, who quarantined the complex Friday.

One resident reported having been "nibbled on" and another said a bat flew at his head, City Manager Bill Yenne said.

<a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4065605.html">Full Story</a>

[Wayne Harrison]

July 25, 2006, 11:04PM
Relocating bats won't work, one expert says


By RICHARD STEWART
Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle

LAKE JACKSON — Moving an estimated 2,000 bats from an apartment complex to another location at least 200 miles away probably won't work, said the head of an Austin-based bat conservation group.

"You can take those bats 200 miles away, and they'll be back within a day," said Merlin Tuttle, founder and president of Bat Conservation International.

Repairing the holes the bats use to get inside the walls and ceiling of Casa Del Lago apartments will make them go someplace else, Tuttle said.

City and Brazoria County health officials issued orders Monday to trap and move the bats at least 200 miles away.

"Texas bats cover an amazing amount of territory," Tuttle said. "It's nothing for them to fly 50 or 100 miles just to feed."

Officials ordered the 84-unit complex vacated Friday after finding an estimated 2,000 bats. Two bats tested positive for rabies.

<a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4072191.html">Full Story</a>