Interspecific aggression by a rabid eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Mammalogy

Background:

• Rabies is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system, primarily transmitted through saliva.
• While bats are a known reservoir for rabies virus, transmission typically occurs through bites.
• Interspecies transmission events are crucial for understanding viral evolution and spread.

Observation:

• On March 16, 2012, a rabid eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) was discovered physically attached to an evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis).
• The incident occurred in Randolph County, Arkansas, USA.
• This direct physical interaction between a rabid and a non-rabid bat of different species was unprecedented.

Findings:

• This observation represents the first confirmed case of a rabid bat attacking and potentially transmitting the disease to a bat of a different species.
• The eastern red bat's aggressive behavior suggests advanced stages of rabies infection.
• The close proximity and attachment indicate a high risk for disease transmission.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for rabies to spread between different bat species, impacting wildlife health surveillance.
• It highlights the need for further research into bat-to-bat rabies transmission dynamics.
• Understanding these interspecies interactions is vital for rabies prevention and control strategies in bat populations.