Bats and Public Heath

Rabies

Rabies: The fear of all fears associated with bats is Rabies.This is a disease caused by the bullet shaped Rhabdovirus, which affects the nervous system. This is a disease common to mammals and there are few individuals that recover after contacting the disease. This is a disease that is fatal to both humans and mammals.

Animals that have contracted the disease become sicker and sicker as time passes on. They usually die within two or three days after symptoms appear. Some animals with rabies, as you probably already know, go mad. They attack all that is in their path, and are very vicious. Some on the other hand, suffer from a progressing paralysis which usually begins from the hind legs, and then moves forward into the body. Some animals also go through both stages, yet whatever happens, the end result is the same.

In either occurrence, the throat muscles become so paralyzed that the animal cannot swallow its own saliva. This causes that infamous “ foaming at the mouth”, and will oftentimes cause an increased amount of thirst called “hydrophobia”. Now, aside from the characteristics of rabies, it should be noted that looks can be deceiving. If you are bitten by a bat at any time, you should seek immediate medical attention. Now, vampire bats will bite mammals and humans on a normal basis. As they feed on blood, they will nevertheless bite their prey. Therefore, they are also a prime spreader of the disease. Many cattle are inflicted with the disease each year.

With these facts in mind, it is clear that rabies is a frightening disease. Everyone should avoid aggressive animals, and more importantly people without appropriate training should not handle sick, dying, or dead animals.

Some Do’s and Dont’s about bats

1. Bats of all sizes will attack people if they feel threatened.
2. If you must handle a bat, minimize the chances of it biting you. By wrapping the bat in a thick towel, or wearing thick gloves, you will make it virtually impossible for the bat to bite you.
3. Do not keep bats as pets.
4. If you are bitten by a bat, see a physician immediately. If the bat is available, it can be tested for rabies.
5. If you are working in an area with bat droppings, us a respirator or mask that will remove particles 2 microns or larger in diameter.
6. Avoid disturbing bats in their roosts, bats that are hibernating or roosting are very sensitive, disturbing them can lead to their death.
7. if you must handle bats, obtain pre exposure rabies vaccines.