THE APEX TIMES
Lexington-Fayette health officials confirm rabies in bat found near Berea Road and Kentucky Horse Park
A bat discovered after a Lexington woman reported an alert-response encounter tested positive for rabies, prompting local public health officials to investigate potential exposure and remind residents to avoid contact with bats.
A Lexington woman’s alert response led to the discovery of a bat near Berea Road and the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department said the animal later tested positive for rabies. The incident was reported as part of a response that ultimately brought the bat to public health investigators for testing.
WKYT reported that health department officials linked the bat’s location to the Berea Road area near the Horse Park, where they said the positive rabies result was confirmed. The department’s announcement tied the case to the woman’s alert response, described as the first step that brought attention to the animal.
Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal once symptoms develop, and local health departments typically treat suspected rabies exposures as time-sensitive public health matters because preventive treatment can be effective when provided promptly after potential contact.
In this case, the Health Department said it would continue its standard follow-up after confirmation, including determining whether any people, pets, or other animals may have had contact with the bat before and after the discovery.
Public health officials also used the announcement to emphasize the importance of keeping distance from bats and involving health authorities when a potential rabies risk is suspected. Rabies findings in wildlife can affect nearby households, pet owners, and anyone who may have been in the immediate vicinity of the animal.
As of June 26, 2026, the Health Department had not indicated any additional details in the report beyond the positive test result and the need for follow-up, and residents with questions were directed to contact local public health officials as the investigation proceeded.
Why It Matters
- Rabies cases in local wildlife can create urgent, time-sensitive public health questions for households and pet owners near the discovery area.
- Positive testing triggers standard local investigation steps to determine whether any people or animals had contact that would require preventive action.
- The case highlights how prompt reporting and coordination can speed up testing and risk assessment for potentially exposed residents.
- Wildlife rabies findings can increase community awareness of safety practices around bats, especially in areas near public attractions like the Kentucky Horse Park.
Key Facts
- A Lexington woman’s alert response helped lead to the discovery of a bat near Berea Road and the Kentucky Horse Park.
- The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department said the bat tested positive for rabies.
- The positive test result was confirmed after the bat was identified and submitted for rabies testing.
- Health officials said follow-up would include assessing potential exposure connected to the bat’s discovery location.