SEVEN out of 12 recorded cases of rabies in bats over the last two years have been in Dorset, according to latest figures.

The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) tests dead bats submitted by the public to monitor how widespread the disease is in Great Britain.

Only 27 infected bats have been found in more than 15,000 tests since 1986, so the risk of catching rabies from a bat is very low.

However, it seems Dorset is more of a hotspot for the disease than in most areas, with seven out of the last 12 recorded cases across the country being found in the county.

Two cases have been confirmed this year, in Dorchester and Wimborne. Last year two cases were confirmed in Poole and another in Wimborne.

A further case was confirmed in Poole in 2018.

If you suspect rabies in a bat or you see abnormal behaviour in a bat contact APHA for help.

APHA vets will investigate and may submit the bat for testing to see whether the signs were caused by rabies.

If you find a dead bat, do not directly handle the bat if possible.

It is possible, although very rare, for infected bats to pass rabies to other animals including pets.

If your pet catches a bat, keep your pet under observation.

If your pet falls sick or starts behaving unusually, you must contact your vet immediately. Your vet will tell APHA if he or she suspects your pet has rabies.