Rabid bat found at Sask. daycare; school division apologizes for delay in telling parents

Saskatchewan·NewRabid bat found at Sask. daycare; school division apologizes for delay in telling parentsChildren at a daycare in Spiritwood have been offered rabies treatment after a bat found inside the centre tested positive for the virus.Children have been offered rabies treatmentAishwarya Dudha · CBC News · Posted: Jun 19, 2026 3:50 PM EDT | Last Updated: 9 minutes agoPlayListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology.

Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.The Saskatchewan Health Authority encourages anyone who encounters a bat inside a dwelling to contact HealthLine 811 for direction on what to do next.

(file photo) (Merlin D. Tuttle/Bat Conservation International/Associated Press)Social SharingChildren at a daycare in Spiritwood have been offered rabies treatment after a rapid bat found inside the centre tested positive for the virus.The school division apologized for its delayed communication after finding out about the bat.

The bat was captured on June 4 at the Love & Laughter Early Learning Centre, a daycare attached to Hartley Clark Elementary School in Spiritwood, according to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).Spiritwood is located about 147 kilometres north of Saskatoon.A conservation officer caught it and sent it for testing, which confirmed that it was positive for rabies.

All children and anyone who may have had contact with the bat have been offered rabies immunoglobulin for immediate protection, along with a rabies vaccination for longer-term protection, according to the SHA.The health authority encourages anyone who encounters a bat inside a dwelling to call 811. Health officals urge caution as cases of raccoon rabies surge in southern QuebecLiving Sky School Division also said a professional was brought in to inspect the building and reported it clear of any other animals.

However, parents weren’t told about the rabid bat until June 9, and the school division is apologizing for the delay."As is our normal protocol with any health-related situations, our team immediately reached out to public health for next steps. The letter from the Medical Health Officer is still awaiting approval from Saskatchewan Health Authority," Brenda Vickers, the division’s director of education, said in a statement sent to families."

We sincerely believed that we would quickly receive the letter from health to accompany our communication to families. Unfortunately, this was not the case.“We understand the delay in communicating has caused anxiety.

For this, we sincerely apologize."The SHA did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the delay of the letter.ABOUT THE AUTHORAishwarya DudhaReporterAishwarya Dudha is a reporter for CBC Saskatchewan based in Saskatoon.

She specializes in immigration, justice and cultural issues and elevating voices of vulnerable people. She has previously worked for CBC News Network and Global News. You can email her at aishwarya.

dudha@cbc.ca CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices·About CBC NewsCorrections and clarifications·Submit a news tip·Report errorRelated StoriesBats in Haldimand-Norfolk, Hamilton test positive for rabies, public health saysSaskatchewan enduring 'super-abundant' year for ticksManitoba still measles hot spot with 48 cases confirmed in MayChild taken to hospital after being bitten by police dog in southeast CalgaryChild finds stun gun near playground in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, shocks themselves: RCMP Saskatchewan·NewRabid bat found at Sask. daycare; school division apologizes for delay in telling parentsChildren at a daycare in Spiritwood have been offered rabies treatment after a bat found inside the centre tested positive for the virus.

Children have been offered rabies treatmentAishwarya Dudha · CBC News · Posted: Jun 19, 2026 3:50 PM EDT | Last Updated: 9 minutes agoPlayListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority encourages anyone who encounters a bat inside a dwelling to contact HealthLine 811 for direction on what to do next. (file photo) (Merlin D. Tuttle/Bat Conservation International/Associated Press)Social SharingChildren at a daycare in Spiritwood have been offered rabies treatment after a rapid bat found inside the centre tested positive for the virus.

The school division apologized for its delayed communication after finding out about the bat. The bat was captured on June 4 at the Love & Laughter Early Learning Centre, a daycare attached to Hartley Clark Elementary School in Spiritwood, according to the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).Spiritwood is located about 147 kilometres north of Saskatoon.

A conservation officer caught it and sent it for testing, which confirmed that it was positiv