Visitors to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park are being encouraged to come forward if they’ve had any direct contact with a wild bat, which has tested positive for rabies.
A deceased bat was discovered near the Oasis on the Rocks restaurant on July 11, and subsequent tests confirmed the presence of rabies.
“Visitors who haven’t had physical contact with bats are not at risk of rabies,” park officials clarified.
County health authorities are urging anyone who may have encountered the bat to seek testing. It’s worth noting that bats are not part of the safari park’s animal collection, and no human interactions have been reported.
The bat was analyzed by the county public health laboratory, which confirmed the rabies result. This marks the 19th reported case of rabies in San Diego County for this year, while a total of 21 bats tested positive in all of 2025.
“Rabies is a very serious viral disease, almost invariably fatal if not addressed promptly,” Dr. Ankita Kadakia, the county’s deputy public health officer, stated. She emphasized the importance of quick treatment for those who may have come into contact with bats, as symptoms can lead to severe outcomes once they manifest.
Experts stress that this incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with handling bats, despite their ecological importance.
Dr. Alexis Wall, a wildlife veterinary manager at the San Diego Humane Society, noted that over 20 bat species inhabit San Diego County. These creatures can consume thousands of insects each hour, contributing significantly to local agriculture. However, caution is warranted, as bats can occasionally transmit rabies.
Dr. Brian Collins from Cornell’s Canine Health Center pointed out that bats are significant rabies carriers in the U.S., responsible for most human cases.
If someone encounters a bat in a public space, it’s crucial not to touch it. Instead, people are advised to maintain distance and report the sighting to relevant authorities.
For those who believe they might have come into contact with a bat, washing the area with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes is recommended.
