Aug. 10, 2023

Calling young artists! Children grades K-5 are invited to submit art for a rabies and animal safety poster contest

Kitsap Public Health is raising awareness of rabies prevention and pet vaccination with a youth poster contest. First place winners will receive a $75 gift card. Submit by Sept. 1!

Kitsap Public Health District has launched a youth poster contest to increase awareness of rabies and the importance of vaccinating pets.  

The contest is open to all Kitsap children entering grades kindergarten through fifth. Contest winners will receive a $75 gift card and entries may be used by the Health District as part of its rabies education efforts.

For full details, download our contest packet or go to kitsappublichealth.org/bats.

Contest details: Full contest packet (English and Spanish) Instructions | Instructions in Spanish Contest submission form (English and Spanish) "Don't Touch Bats" fact sheet for kids | Spanish Pet safety fact sheet (English and Spanish) Bats & Rabies fact sheet for parents Submissions are due by the end of the day on Friday, Sept. 1.

Rabies facts and resources In Washington state, bats are the only animal regularly found to have rabies. Very few bats have rabies but it's important to keep your family and pets safe by avoiding contact with bats.  For more information, download our Bats & Rabies fact sheet and find detailed guidance here:  Kitsap Public Health District Washington State Department of Health CDC

Prevent rabies exposure

• Avoid contact with bats and never touch a bat with bare hands.
• Teach children never to touch bats, and to tell an adult if they find a bat at home, at school or with a pet.
• Keep bats out of your house by "bat-proofing" your home.
• Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance — do not approach or attempt to feed wild animals.
• Do not attempt to pick up a sick or injured bat or other animal with your bare hands.
• If someone has bare skin contact with a bat, or might have had contact with a bat, safely capture the bat for testing if it is possible. Wash the contact area immediately with soap and water for at least 10 minutes, then call your healthcare provider or Kitsap Public Health for guidance.
  • If you think your pet was exposed to rabies, contact your veterinarian.
• Vaccinate your pets. Contact your veterinarian to learn about rabies vaccination. 

Protecting bats and your health

Bats play an important role in ecosystems around the world. Fifteen species of bats can be found in Washington state. You can protect bats and your health by appreciating bats from a safe distance and bat-proofing your home. Find more tips and information:

• Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Bat Conservation International
• Bats Northwest

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Tad Sooter |  Public Information Officer
Kitsap Public Health District
345 6th St., Suite 300  |  Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 728-2330 Office |  (360) 728-2235 Main
pio@kitsappublichealth.org  |  kitsappublichealth.org