County warns residents about rabies threat in bats

Officials with the San Diego County Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the County Department of Animal Services are warning local residents about a potential serious rabies threat.

El Cajon resident Christopher William Ebert was arrested for illegal possession of bats and allegedly offered to sell bats on the Internet site craigslist.org from January 4 to 8. Bats are illegal to possess in California without a permit and they can carry rabies.

Authorities are extremely concerned that any persons who purchased or may have handled these bats are at risk for contracting rabies. If you, or so...