Bat rabies in Shropshire, October 2008

A Daubenton's bat found dead at a heritage site in Shropshire has tested positive for European Bat Lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2). This is the eighth confirmed EBLV-2 case in United Kingdom (UK) bats since 1996, and the second case in Shropshire [1, 2].

The bat was found dead by a member of staff early in the morning before the area was opened to the public. It was placed in a sealed box, using protective gloves. Risk assessment confirmed that no members of the public could have come into contact with the bat as it had not been present when the area was checked the previous evening. The routine checking of the site for bats, along with other recommendations [1], which were fully implemented by staff after the previous incident, ensured that the bat was safely handled and nobody else had contact with it. The carcass was subsequently examined by a bat worker from the Shropshire bat group and placed in container for transfer to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency.

EBLV is a rabies-like virus found in insectivorous bats across northern Europe. It comes from the same family of viruses as rabies, but is a different strain from that which causes 'classical' rabies in dogs and many other domestic and wild animals. Humans are not at risk from EBLV unless they have been exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of an infected bat or have been scratched or bitten.

The HPA, Defra, and Department of Health work closely with the Bat Conservation Trust and Natural England on bat issues. All those licensed to handle bats or who regularly handle bats in Great Britain should ensure that they have up to date rabies vaccination and should always wear protective gloves when handling bats. Anybody who is potentially at risk from EBLV but is given prompt protective treatment will not develop the infection. Anyone finding a sick or ailing bat is advised not to approach or handle it but to seek advice from a conservation group or the Bat Conservation Trust Helpline on 0845 1300 228.

References
1. Duggal H. European bat lyssavirus type 2: human exposure in England. Euro Surveill. 2007;12(36):pii=3264. Available online: http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=3264
2. HPA. European Bat Lyssavirus: Frequently asked question. http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&Page&HPAwebAutoListName/Page/1215157152257?p=121515715225.

Last reviewed: 21 November 2008