Defining New Pathways to Manage the Ongoing Emergence of Bat Rabies in Latin America

Abstract

Rabies transmitted by common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) has been known since the early 1900s but continues to expand geographically and in the range of species and environments affected. In this review, we present current knowledge of the epidemiology and management of rabies in D. rotundus and argue that it can be reasonably considered an emerging public health threat. We identify knowledge gaps related to the landscape determinants of the bat reservoir, reduction in bites on humans and livestock, and social barriers to prevention. We discuss how new technologies including autonomously-spreading vaccines and reproductive suppressants targeting bats might manage both rabies and undesirable growth of D. rotundus populations. Finally, we highlight widespread under-reporting of human and animal mortality and the scarcity of studies that quantify the efficacy of control measures such as bat culling. Collaborations between researchers and managers will be crucial to implement the next generation of rabies management in Latin America.

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“…Furthermore, this species has also an impact on public health because of spoliations and rabies transmission to humans [2]. Since the 1970's, many Latin American countries implemented programs for the control of rabies transmitted by D. rotundus to herbivores and humans [3]. However, in these 50 years, the programs have had a small contribution to reducing the negative effects of rabies [3].…”

“…Since the 1970's, many Latin American countries implemented programs for the control of rabies transmitted by D. rotundus to herbivores and humans [3]. However, in these 50 years, the programs have had a small contribution to reducing the negative effects of rabies [3]. From the beginning, the population control of D. rotundus in these programs was carried out with an extensive use of vampiricide paste by two ways: Use around the wound on bovines e equines and topical application on bats [4,5].…”

“…Moreover, several different non-hematophagous species share the shelters with D. rotundus [6] and can also be affected by this method. Nevertheless, a more precise and reliable analysis requires more studies [3]. Recently, a group of technicians and researchers from various countries [3] analyzed the current problems and The signal for starting the population control cannot be a cow dying of rabies, since its death means that the rabies is already settled in the region.…”

“…Nevertheless, a more precise and reliable analysis requires more studies [3]. Recently, a group of technicians and researchers from various countries [3] analyzed the current problems and The signal for starting the population control cannot be a cow dying of rabies, since its death means that the rabies is already settled in the region. It is a very late sign: the bat will die by rabies a few days after transmitting the disease to the cow, which will then go through an incubation period of 30 to 45 days before dying too.…”

Integration of human rabies surveillance and preventive measures in the State of Ceará, Northeast Brazil

“…As a result of regional efforts and the ongoing support by the Pan American Health Organization, systematic rabies control measures were strengthened in Latin America since the 1980s, and canine cases were reduced by 98% [4,5] . Human rabies still persists on the continent, and some areas register canine rabies.…”