RIO RANCHO N.M. – A bat in Sandoval County tested positive for rabies, marking New Mexico’s ninth animal rabies case of 2026.
The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) said the bat was found in a private home, euthanized and sent to the NMDOH Scientific Laboratory Division for testing.
Health officials said all people and animals exposed to the bat are receiving post-exposure vaccines to prevent disease.
“Rabies is nearly 100% fatal, but 100% preventable,” said Dr. Erin Phipps, state public health veterinarian for NMDOH.
“State law requires all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies. Unvaccinated pets exposed to rabies must be euthanized or isolated for four months to prevent human exposure,” said Phipps.
In New Mexico, rabies most often shows up in wildlife such as foxes, skunks, bobcats and bats. The state confirmed 13 rabid animals in 2025 and 12 in 2024.
NMDOH said bats are the animal most commonly found with rabies in New Mexico.
White Sands National Park is also seeking a teenage visitor who handled a dead bat with bare hands, out of concern the teen may have been exposed to rabies.