Rabies
Last updated on March 2, 2022Rabies is an infectious disease caused by a virus. It affects the nervous system of humans and other mammals. It is most commonly seen in domestic and wild mammals that eat meat (carnivores), though it could infect any mammal.
Bats that eat insects are the only wild animals in B.C. that are always a source of rabies—they are a rabies reservoir. This means that there is always a risk that you could contract rabies from a bat. Individuals of other kinds of mammals sometimes get rabies, but the cases are isolated.
- Learn more about rabies (PDF)
Contact information
For wildlife-human interactions where public safety may be at risk call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line:
For wildlife health inquiries or reports:
Wildlife health Office
250 751-7246
250 751-7246