Bats and Rabies

Bats and rabies

Some bats in Europe carry a rabies virus called European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV). This is different from classical rabies, which has never been found in a bat in Europe, and has two types: EBLV1 and EBLV2.

Since 1987, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (previously the Veterinary Laboratories Agency) has undertaken a passive surveillance programme in which dead bats, sent in by members of the public and bat workers, are tested for the virus. In this time over 13,000 UK bats have been tested for EBLV.

In the UK, 14 bats have been found with EBLV2: 11 in England, 2 in Scotland and1 in Wales. All were Daubenton's bats.

In addition,3 bats have tested positive for antibodies to EBLV1: 1 serotine in the south of England and 2 Natterer's bats in Scotland. The presence of antibodies indicates previous exposure to the virus but not the presence of the virus itself.

Fishermen can help improve our understanding of rabies in bats by contributing to this research programme; if you find a dead bat, please contact BCT so we can arrange for it to be tested. The discovery of EBLV in UK bats does not affect the UK's rabies-free status.

The risk of catching the virus from a bat is extremely low. Any human contact with bats is rare, even when they share the same buildings. As EBLV is only transmitted by a bite or scratch or though contact with saliva, there is no risk to people if they do not approach or handle a bat.

Bats are not aggressive, although, like any wild animal, if handled they may bite to defend themselves. A bat that appears to be baring its teeth is actually 'scanning' you by echolocation.

If you are exposed to EBLV there is an effective treatment, provided this is administered soon after infection. It is vital to do this as soon as possible!