European Bat Lyssavirus type 2 (bat rabies) confirmed in Daubenton's Bat

Tests have confirmed the presence of European Bat Lyssavirus type 2 (EBLV-2), a strain of bat rabies in a Daubenton’s bat that was submitted to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) in Weybridge, Surrey.

The bat carcase was sent for routine testing after being found dead at premises in Shropshire. There is no evidence that anybody was bitten or scratched by this bat.

EBLV has previously been isolated from seven UK bats since 1996, in Sussex, Lancashire, Surrey, Oxfordshire, and Shropshire. The last case occurred in May 2008. It is known that there is a low occurrence of EBLV-2 in Daubenton’s bats in England. This does not affect the UK’s rabies-free animal health status under international guidelines.

The standard advice from the Health Protection Agency is that if anyone is bitten by a bat the wound should be cleaned with soap and water and they should seek medical advice immediately. The risk to human health is negligible as treatment is highly effective.

Bats are a protected species and must not be killed or their roost damaged. EBLVs may only be transmitted by the bite of an infected bat. There is therefore no risk to humans if bats are not approached or handled by them.


Anyone finding a sick or ailing bat should not approach or handle it but seek advice from the Bat Conservation Trust Helpline on 0845 1300

228 (or in Scotland SPCA on 0870 73 77722).