The subject of Rabies in bats is extremely complex and highly technical.

 

Some useful facts, and links for further information are :-

 

· EBLV2 stands for “European Bat Lyssavirus type 2”.

· Although related (i.e. a Rabies-type virus), EBLV2 is not “classical” Rabies as found in dogs, cats, and several types of wild animals in continental Europe, and indeed in many parts of the world.

· To date (June 2008), of many hundreds tested, seven UK bats have been found to have EBLV2.

· All seven bats were Daubenton’s bats, which do not roost or feed in or around houses.

· One person (a bat worker) in the UK has contracted EBLV2, and sadly died from it.

· Classical Rabies kills thousands of people each year worldwide.

· Only one person has been recorded to have survived a Rabies-type infection without either pre-exposure vaccination or immediate post-exposure treatment.

· All UK bat workers have up-to-date Rabies vaccination.

 

 

 

· Good basic information on Rabies, designed for children in the USA but mostly relevant to UK :-

             http://www.rabiesfree.org/page3.htm

 

· UK - DEFRA on Rabies :- http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/rabies/index.htm

 

· UK - DEFRA on Bats and Rabies :- http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/rabies/q&a.htm

 

· USA - CDC on Rabies :- http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/

 

· Excellent site devoted to the fight against Rabies worldwide :- http://www.rabiesfreeworld.net/

 

· The only survivor without pre– or post-exposure treatment :- http://www.nbc26.com/news/local/9561157.html