Geographic Translocation of Bats: Known and Potential Problems

Abstract

Natural, accidental, and intentional translocation of bats, both intra- and intercontinentally, has been documented. Some bats have been translocated while incubating infectious diseases, including rabies or related lyssavirus infections; others have escaped confinement en route to or at their destinations, while others have been released deliberately. Known events and potential consequences of bat translocation are reviewed, including a proposed solution to the attendant problems.

Keywords

• geographic translocation
• bats
• rabies
• lyssaviruses
• histoplasmosis
• perspective