A bat found deceased at Safari Park last weekend has been confirmed to carry rabies, according to results from the County Public Health Lab.
Staff members at the park came across the dead animal on Sunday and submitted it for testing. Laboratory analysis subsequently revealed the presence of the viral disease.
Rabies is a serious infectious disease that affects the nervous system of mammals and is typically transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Bats are among the most common wildlife carriers of the virus.
Park officials have not yet announced whether any visitors or employees may have come into contact with the animal, or what precautionary measures are being taken following the discovery.