Plano Animal Services is asking to speak with anyone who may have come into contact with a rabid bat near the Shops at Legacy.
The Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed Wednesday a bat collected at 7560 Bishop Road tested positive for rabies.
The man who discovered the bat said he found it in the breezeway in front of his apartment at the NorthSide at Legacy Apartments. Chris Chaconas tells NBC 5 he was going to walk his two golden retrievers when they picked it up. He said he notified apartment staff and they in turned called Plano Animal Services.
The Plano Animal Shelter does not usually test wild animals unless they have come into contact with a person or pet and are considered one of five high-risk animals for rabies, such as bats, foxes, skunks, coyotes and raccoons.
It was a concern because it was in a highly populated area, according to Animal Services Director Jamey Cantrell.
Cantrell said animals should be vaccinated against rabies, and this highlights the need to keep animals up-to-date with their vaccinations. The Plano Animal Shelter hosts low-cost rabies vaccination clinics the third Friday of each month. The next clinic is Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Anyone who believes they or their pet may have come into contact with the bat is urged to call Plano Animal Services immediately at 972-769-4360.
