A WOMAN is undergoing treatment after being bitten by a rabid bat.

The unnamed conservationist from the Lancaster area was bitten on the hand after volunteering to take the animal into her care.

Infectious disease specialists examined the woman and she was given a rabies vaccination in hospital.

Another five people came into contact with the infected animal and they are being treated as a precaution.

Health Protection consultant, Dr Nick Gent, said: " The lady was a voluntary bat warden who took the bat into her care

She was bitten and subsequently examined by infectious disease specialists who say she does not appear to be suffering from any rabies symptoms.

We have identified five other people who had some involvement in the handling of the bat and are beginning post-exposure treatment."

Pets at the women's house have been put into isolation as a precaution and investigations are continuing.

Tests on the bat, which died, confirmed that it had rabies.

An expert said that the incident was a "one-off" and that any member of the public who comes across a sick bat should not handle it but seek advice from a local bat conservation group.

The incident is only the second known case of this strain of rabies in Britain.

In 1996 a pregnant woman was bitten on the hand by an infected bat.

There are lots of bats in North Lancashire and they are only likely to bite people if they are handled.