BAT WARNING

Rabies is a rarity, in Orange County as elsewhere in the country. There are no modern cases of human rabies on record in the county, and the last time a dog tested positive for the disease, which infects the central nervous system, was 1957. Still, according to County

Veterinarian Nila Kelly, local residents should be aware that there is still a threat of contracting rabies--from bats.

There are specific strains of rabies adapted for both the bat and the skunk. No rabid skunks have been found in Orange County, but a few rabid bats are discovered each year.

1988: 27 bats were tested.

* 11 were survey only (no contact with humans or animals).

* 5 had contacted humans (human bitten or touched bat).

* 11 had contact with a dog or cat.

* Overall, six bats tested postive for rabies.

1989 (to date): 28 bats have been tested.

* 19 were survey only.

* 1 had contacted a human.

* 8 had contact with a dog or cat.

* Overall, one bat has tested postive for rabies.

In the wild, bat experts say, fewer than one bat in 1,000 contracts rabies. But all the same, Kelly said, residents

should be wary of the creatures. Because they normally stay clear of humans, a bat that is found near a home may be sick. Bats are normally quite harmless and should not be disturbed in the wild.

If a bat is found in or near the home, or bites a human or pet:

* If possible, sweep it into a container. Do not touch it with bare hands.

* Call Animal Control, (714) 834-6304.

If the bat is not found, rabies prophylaxis is still offered as a safeguard against the disease. The treatment is not nearly so painful as the old stomach shots that were once given. An immune globulin is injected, half into the bite area and half into the buttocks. A series of five vaccinations in the arm follow.

Source: Orange County Veterinary Public Health office.