BSAVA is in the process of reviewing its policy on Rabies and Quarantine in light of the discussions taking place regarding derogation. Members will be informed when the new statement, along with other pet travel information, is available. The below information about handling bats however remains relevant.
Rabies in bats
Cases of bats infected with one of the two European bat Lyssavirus (EBL) subtypes, EBL2 have been confirmed in the UK as recently as 2002. One of these cases resulted in the unfortunate death of a bat worker in Scotland in November 2002. All reported cases have so far occurred in Daubenton’s bats (Myotis daubentonii), a common species which often comes into human contact as it roosts in houses. Up to 8% of Daubenton’s bats carry antibodies to the virus.
Advice for veterinary surgeons dealing with bats
- Veterinary staff dealing with bats on a frequent basis should be vaccinated against rabies (see below). Handling of bats should where possible be limited to those staff that have been vaccinated.
- Bats should always be handled with protective gloves. Latex gloves are suitable for the smaller species and light leather gloves such as driving gloves with disposable latex gloves on top are suitable for the larger species.
- A suitable field guide (e.g. A Field guide to British Bats, Greenaway and Hutson, 1990, Bruce Coleman books, Uxbridge) should be used to familiarise staff as to the different bat species.
- All bats acting strangely and Daubenton’s bats in particular should be handled with extra care.
- Suspicious cases should be reported to DEFRA.
- If bitten or scratched by a bat, wounds should be cleaned with soap and water or a suitable disinfectant and medical advice sought.
- Medical advice on the need for post exposure protection can be obtained from the Central Public Health Laboratory (020 8200 6868).
- The Veterinary Laboratory Agency carries out surveillance of submitted bat carcasses. All dead bats (not just suspected rabies cases) should be submitted to the Rabies Diagnostic Unit, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 3NB.
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccines can be obtained from General medical Practitioners (GPs) and should be made available free of charge to those working with bats. GPs can obtain vaccines free of charge from the Central Public Health laboratory (0208 200 4400).
Advice to clients
Clients should be discouraged from handling or approaching sick, injured or trapped bats.
Assistance should be sought through the Bat Conservation Trust helpline 0845 130 0228 or in Scotland, the Scottish SPCA 0870 7377722 or the Scottish Natural Heritage Batline 01738 458663.
If clients are bitten or scratched by a bat, wounds should be cleaned with soap and water or a suitable disinfectant and medical advice sought.
Useful information for clients regarding bat rabies can be downloaded from the DEFRA website.
Further information on the veterinary treatment of bats can be found in the BSAVA Manual of Wildlife Casualties.
Approval: BSAVA Council as Policy Statement No. 9 (Rabies and Quarantine) 2004.
Recent update: May 2006