How Do Bats Contract Rabies?

Bats can both contract and transmit rabies.

Rabies, a disease of the central nervous system, can infect all mammals including bats. Left untreated, the disease is fatal. Though rabies in humans is rare in North America, the majority of cases are transmitted by bats. No reported cases of bat transmission to dogs have been reported, though infrequent transmission to cats is known to have occurred. The best defense against bat-transmitted rabies is education.

Infection

Rabies is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. It can also occur through contact between an open wound and a rabid animal's saliva. Bites usually happen when predator animals attack, but the bat prey escapes. Bat predators include skunks, fox, opossums, raccoons and cats. Once bitten, the incubation period for rabies in bats is variable, lasting up to several months. Following the incubation period is the clinical period, when the bat displays symptoms of illness and may transmit the disease to others. This period lasts approximately one week with the bat suffering advancing paralysis and behavioral changes, resulting in death.

Prevalence

Among bats encountered by humans and domestic pets, four to six percent test positive for rabies. Sick bats, however, are more likely to be caught and/or handled. According to the New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center, the actual incidence of rabies in bats is low, affecting approximately one-half of one percent of the population.

Prevention

The best defense against contracting bat rabies is to limit opportunity for exposure. Close any holes in buildings where bats may enter and never handle a bat with bare hands. Teach children not to touch any grounded bats they may encounter, as these animals are likely sick or injured and more prone to bite. Pets should have an annual rabies vaccination.

Treatment

If you suspect you have been bitten or scratched by a bat, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water. If you are able to capture the bat with leather gloves on, do so and call your local public health department. They will be able to test the bat for rabies to determine whether or not you have been exposed. Contact your family doctor or emergency department to begin post-exposure treatment. Treatment is comprised of a series of injections, given in a large muscle such as the upper arm or thigh. If your pet has been exposed to a bat bite and is not up to date on his or her rabies vaccinations, contact your local veterinarian to begin post-exposure treatment.

Warning

Bat bites usually feel like a needle prick, though puncture wounds may be too small to visualize. People should seek immediate medical attention if they wake up in a room with a bat, or find a bat in a room with a sleeping child, mentally impaired or intoxicated person.

References

• Organization for Bat Conservation: Bat Rabies and Misconceptions
• Batworld Sanctuary: Rabies Facts and Fallacies
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Learning About Bats and Rabies
• Montclair State University Rainforest Connection: Bats
• New York State Department of Health: Bat Rabies

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Rabies