Rabies alarm in Northwest Mecklenburg: First bat infection in 30 years

Rabies alarm in Northwest Mecklenburg: First bat infection in 30 years

In Northwest Mecklenburg there was recently a worrying case: For the first time in over 30 years, a bat of rabies was proven. This incident came to light after the State Office for Agriculture, Food Safety and Fishing (Lallf) in Rostock confirmed the infection on October 9. The district of Northwest Mecklenburg then published an official message on October 14th.

The affected bat type, a wide wing bat, was discovered in Herrnburg on September 9. It was in a highly weakened condition and no longer able to fly. After her finding, she was supplied in a private emergency aid facility. During their stay there, alarming symptoms were shown such as orientation difficulties and difficulty swallowing, which finally led to their die on September 29th

Recommendations of the district

The health authorities emphasize that the transfer of bat rare to other animals or people in Germany is extremely rare. Historically, no cases of this kind have ever been documented in humans or in pets. Nevertheless, there is a precautionary recommendation: "Neither of bat colonies, fallen young animals, nor from their feces or hibernating animals runs out a fundamental danger," said district spokeswoman Wiebke Reichenbach.

The district administrator Tino Schomann (CDU) added that the handling of these protected animals should be carefully. "Bats are wild animals and do not want to be touched. If contact is inevitable, thick gloves can be worn," said Schomann. These recommendations are particularly important for the people in the region who may come into contact with these animals.

Notes on the report of sick bats

All sites of weakened or sick bats should be reported immediately to the lower nature conservation authority or a bat expert. Private emergency aid in Northwestmecklenburg can be reached on the website www.flaeusefund.de. If a bat has bitten, it is important to contact the veterinary office and the health department immediately. The animal body should be packed tightly for examinations on rabies and, if necessary, frozen to the veterinary office.

In addition, cat owners are advised to have their animals, especially freelancers, vaccinated against rabies in order to minimize possible risks. With these protective measures, one hopes to contain the spread of the disease and to protect both humans and animals. More information on this topic is in the reports on www.nordkurier.de to be found.