INFORMATION BULLETIN
Date: 18 July 2007
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Final results of a study into bat rabies (European bat lyssavirus) in England 2004-2006
Results from the third year of a 3-year Defra-funded study into European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV), a strain of bat rabies, indicate there remains a low prevalence of EBLV-2 in Daubenton's bats in England.
The low prevalence of EBLV-2 has been consistent over the 3 years of this study. These findings were expected and do not affect the UK's rabies-free animal health status under the OIE (the world organisation for animal health). The risk to the general public from bats remains low.
The target species of bats tested were Daubenton's bats, mainly in northern England, and serotine bats in southern England.
The study was launched after the results of a pilot study in 2003 found a low level of antibodies to EBLV-2 in Daubenton's bats.
Combined data from 2004-2006 and the 2003 study, indicate that the prevalence of antibodies to EBLV-2 in Daubenton's bats is about 2%. A single serotine bat was found to have antibodies to EBLV-1 in 2004 but none were found to have antibodies to EBLV-1 in 2005 or 2006.
A decision as to whether Defra will carry out further active surveillance of bats to test for EBLV is being considered. Health and veterinary advice issued jointly by Defra, the Scottish Executive, and the Department of Health, remains unchanged.
For information on what to do if you find a bat, rabies in the UK and current rabies controls, visit
www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/rabies/
End
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Page published: 18 July 2007