Dear Michigan State Official,

I am sending this email because I am strongly opposed to the current rabies vector species ban in the state of Michigan. Wildlife rehabilitators play a vital role in saving lives, as well as protecting members of the public who otherwise may attempt to care for wildlife themselves. This is of particular concern when rehabilitators are restricted from caring for rabies vector species, as many people find euthanasia, or simply leaving an animal to die, an unacceptable alternative. The possibility of an unvaccinated and untrained individual attempting to care for a rabies vector species poses a much greater risk to public health than allowing vaccinated, trained, and permitted wildlife rehabilitators to do their important work.

Bats are crucial to our environment, and with numbers declining, each and every individual counts. In contrast to Michigan, the majority of states throughout the U.S. allow the rehabilitation of bats. Bat rehabilitators across the country rescue and release vast numbers of bats every year, all while educating the public on the ecological importance of bats as well as general wildlife safety. The pre-exposure rabies vaccine can now be found in many local pharmacies, and with the CDC having lowered the dosage recommendation, the vaccine is more accessible than ever for wildlife rehabilitators.

Protocol for vaccinations, training and permits easily solve your state’s current concerns, just like they have in many progressive states across the U.S. Michigan rehabilitators are completely capable of following the same rabies vector species stipulations that countless others do across the country. I am officially requesting that you allow the rehabilitation of rabies vector species in your state. Thank you, I look forward to hearing back from you.