News

BATS and RABIES

NEWS RELEASE – 20th NOVEMBER 2002

There is no risk of rabies to general public.

People who share their properties with bats need not fear contracting rabies.

These comments follow the announcement by Tayside Health Authority that a man died in a Dundee hospital after acquiring rabies from a bat.

Bats are one of the few mammals which are happy living in close proximity to people, but that doesn't mean that you are at risk from rabies.

Of the 3,000 plus UK bats tested for rabies since 1986, only five have been found to be positive for European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV-2) the strain of rabies virus carried by some bats in Europe. Across the continent, only a handful of people have ever acquired rabies from a bat, and appropriate medical treatment is readily available for anyone bitten by a bat.

Members of North Notts Bat Group have been handling bats for more than 20 years and their experiences highlight that Bats are not aggressive and it is very unusual to be bitten at all. There are hundreds of bat roosts in houses across Nottinghamshire and they give a great deal of pleasure to many people. As in continental Europe, it is quite safe to continue to enjoy having bats in your home, provided you avoid handling them, but as a precaution anyone who is bitten or scratched by a bat should seek immediate medical advice.

For advice on this matter contact the Health Protection Agency who can advise on the necessary course of action and maybe liase on your behalf with your GP. Tel: 020 8200 6868.

If you have bats in your property, North Notts Bat Group is keen to hear from you and is ready to allay any concerns you may have. All relevant details for contacting the group can be found in the contacts pages.

More information about bats and rabies is also available online from the Bat Conservation Trust at www.bats.org.uk and from the National Bat Helpline on 0845 1300 228.

More iformation can be found on the Bat Conservation Trust Website Click Here

More iformation can be found on the DEFRA Website Click Here