Bat lyssavirus infections

Bats, which represent approximately 24% of all known mammalian species, fre quently act as vectors of lyssaviruses. In particular, insectivorous bats p lay an important role in the epidemiology of rabies and some rabies-like vi ruses, while the haematophagous vampire bats are the major wildlife vector for rabies in Latin America. in contrast, the role of fruit bats (flying fo xes) in the epidemiology of the recently discovered Australian bat lyssavir us is only just emerging. Information on the pathogenesis of lyssaviruses i n bats is scarce. However, in general, mortality in bats infected via a nat ural route appears to be low, and seroconversion occurs in many of those th at survive. While transmission of rabies from an infected bat may be via a bite, other routes are apparently also possible. Methods for the diagnosis of bat lyssavirus infections in bats and terrestrial mammals (including hum ans) are similar to the classical procedures for rabies. Measures for the p revention and control of these diseases are also similar to those for rabie s, although additional innovative methods have been tested, specifically to control vampire bat rabies.