Ecology of Virus Transmission in Commensal Bats

Research Task: 8327CN9.5.0
Task Manager: Tom O'Shea

The dynamics of rabies transmission in bat populations that roost and live within cities is being investigated using Fort Collins, Colo., and big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) as the case study. USGS biologists are working on this project in collaboration with Colorado State University, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Science Foundation. Rabies commonly circulates in populations of these bats, but these animals appear to have the capacity to develop immunity to the disease. This study will be completed in 2007 with submission of resulting manuscripts for publication. Final results will include a new model for rabies transmission in bats and are expected to be of considerable interest to public health agencies and bat conservationists.

 For more information contact Tom O'Shea

Related Products

Publications

• Rabies in a captive colony of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus)
• Genetic divergence of rabies viruses from bat species of Colorado, USA
• Ecology of commensal bats in relation to rabies transmission: summary of the Fort Collins study, 2001-2005
• Lack of association between ectoparasite intensities and rabies virus neutralizing antibody seroprevalence in wild big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), Fort Collins, Colorado
• White-nose Syndrome threatens the survival of hibernating bats in North America