There is a small piece of information in this article that can be misleading to the un-informed public. A "rabies test" does not exit. You can not simply bring your pet to a vet hospital and ask for a rabies test. In order to test a "rabies suspect" you must first euthanize the animal. Then it's brain can be sent for testing to see if it carried the virus. It's very heartbreaking. And the best defense is simple, vaccinate your pet against rabies.

It's required by state law that all dogs have rabies vaccinations. Yet cats, who are often allowed to roam at will, are not required to have such vaccinations. Moreover, there is public support for feral cat colonies. Cats represent at least half, if not more, of the shelter populations. It would seem that if the State (and the county of Kern, city of Bakersfield) REALLY wants to protect people, then requiring rabies vaccinations for cats would be a start. Eliminating feral cat colonies and possibly requiring cat licenses as is done with dogs would also offset costs to the community for stray and feral cat control. Bats are the most common vector of rabies, but skunks and other wildlife also are vectors. Domestic animals should be vaccinated and not allowed to roam.

I heard the cat turned into a zombie

Another news source said a tarp was placed over the entrane to the attic where these bats are living. But was it placed during the day and the bats killed, Since they are a protected species was the tarp was put in place late at night while the bats were out hunting food? If the tarp was put in place at night the bats will just look for a new home and it's a good chance the entire collony is infected. If that's the case the health department isn't protecting the tax payers paying their salaries.