Rabid Bat Confirmed in New Hartford; Three People Reportedly Exposed

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — A bat found in New Hartford has tested positive for rabies, according to the Oneida County Health Department.

The bat was submitted to the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Center for testing on July 27, 2026. Positive test results were reported on July 31. Three people were exposed to the bat and are receiving post-exposure treatment, health officials said.

Rabies is a serious viral disease that can infect people and animals through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite or scratch. Anyone who may have had physical contact with a bat should contact the Oneida County Health Department immediately, even when no visible bite is present.

Health officials advise residents not to release a bat found inside a home when a possible human or pet exposure may have occurred. The bat should be safely contained, without direct contact, so officials can determine whether testing is necessary.

Residents should also avoid approaching wild or stray animals that appear unusually aggressive, confused, unusually tame, unable to move normally, or are drooling or foaming at the mouth.

Pet owners are urged to make sure their dogs, cats, and ferrets remain current on their rabies vaccinations. New York State law requires those animals to receive rabies vaccinations, including regular booster shots.

Anyone who believes a person or pet may have been exposed to a bat or another potentially rabid animal should contact the Oneida County Health Department at 315-798-5064.

The county’s rabies exposure line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CNYOnline.com Local News will provide additional information if it becomes available.