Bat becomes Henrico's 10th confirmed rabies case of 2026

A bat found in Henrico County has tested positive for rabies, marking the county’s 10th confirmed rabies case of 2026, according to Henrico Police.

Police responded Sept. 10 to the 5300 block of Gillespie Avenue in Lakeside following a report of a possible rabies exposure involving a cat and a bat. The bat was sent to the state laboratory, where it tested positive for the disease.

Because the cat potentially had contact with the bat, it will be quarantined on its owner’s property, officials said. No additional animal or human exposures were reported.

Henrico Police Animal Protection officials are reminding residents to keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations current and to report abnormal wildlife behavior or possible rabies exposures to police at (804) 501-5000.

The county’s next rabies vaccination clinic will be held Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Western Henrico Government Center, 4301 East Parham Road.

For more information, visit the Henrico Police Animal Protection Unit website or call (804) 727-8801.