Bat rabies detected in Halle – first case in 19 years

2022-06-10T06:42:25.490Z

Bat rabies detected in Halle – first case in 19 years Created: 06/10/2022, 08:30 By: Sina Lück Although bat rabies is rare, it occurs again and again in Germany in a localized manner. The first case in 19 years has now been detected in Halle. Halle (Saxony-Anhalt) – Rabid bats are rare. In Halle, too, there has not been a case of bat rabies since 2003 – until now. As the city reports, the viru

Bat rabies detected in Halle – first case in 19 years

Created: 06/10/2022, 08:30

By: Sina Lück

Although bat rabies is rare, it occurs again and again in Germany in a localized manner.

The first case in 19 years has now been detected in Halle.

Halle (Saxony-Anhalt) – Rabid bats are rare.

In Halle, too, there has not been a case of bat rabies since 2003 – until now.

As the city reports, the virus has been detected in a found animal.

The injured bat was previously handed over to the mountain zoo and examined as a precautionary measure as part of a monitoring by the State Office for Consumer Protection in Saxony-Anhalt.

Bat rabies detected in Halle – first case in 19 years

Unlike fox rabies, which is considered to be eradicated in Germany, there are repeated cases of bat rabies in individual regions.

Altogether there are three different rabies viruses in flying animals.

The virus can also be transmitted to humans and other mammals.

Without direct contact, however, there is no increased risk, because infection occurs exclusively via saliva on skin wounds.

If you want to help an injured or flightless bat, you should wear thick gloves – preferably made of leather – to protect yourself against a bite.

Bats, which are outdoors during the day, are particularly conspicuous, although they belong to the nocturnal animal species.

With a bite, infected bats can transmit the rabies virus.

(Iconic image) © imagebroker/Imago

Bat rabies detected in Halle – report infected animals to the city

According to the city, the probability of coming into contact with a rabid bat in Halle is also low.

However, the authorities ask that a suspected infected animal be reported immediately to the Health Department, Veterinary and Food Control Department.

The fire brigade control center and the lower nature conservation authority also receive the information about the find.