Bat rabies in british columbia 1971-1985

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Virology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology

Background:

• Rabies poses a significant zoonotic threat, with bats being a primary reservoir in many regions.
• Understanding bat rabies epidemiology is crucial for public health surveillance and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the prevalence and characteristics of rabies virus in bats submitted from British Columbia over a 15-year period.
• To identify bat species, geographic locations, and temporal patterns associated with rabies virus detection.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of bat submissions and rabies testing results.
• Identification of bat species and assessment of reported behaviors.

Main Results:

• Rabies virus was confirmed in 99 out of 1154 (8.6%) submitted bats.
• Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) comprised 51% of positive cases.
• Colonial bat species accounted for 92.9% of identified bats and 87.7% of rabid cases.
• Submissions and positive cases peaked in August, primarily from densely populated areas.
• Daytime activity and inability to fly were common indicators in rabid bats.

Conclusions:

• Bats, particularly big brown bats and colonial species, are significant reservoirs of rabies virus in British Columbia.
• Surveillance efforts should focus on densely populated areas and the month of August.
• Reported daytime activity and flight impairment in bats warrant prompt investigation for potential rabies exposure.