Bat monitors

The Woodman · #11 (**permalink**) 23-02-2009, 08:46 AM

You're right Jim, an NE license is required to handle bats under most circumstances other than rescuing a downed bat or an injured/welfare case.

Jean did say that she was rescuing a bat from the bedroom floor and my advice was of concern due to the rabies issue. It was general guidance as it is difficult to know how much identification experience a person has.

From Jeans comments, I got the idea that she wasn't that experienced so I was concerned that the "nip" she reported may not have been a pipistrelle. A nip from a Daubie or Natterers would worry me.

Jean, if you are considering working with bats in any capacity, please get advice from Natural England and the Bat Conservation Trust about a rabies jab. There's nothing to fear about the jab at all but best to be safe than too late as one poor Scottish bat worker was.

My wife handled a Daubentons one Sunday morning that was later found with rabies antibodies when she was asked to give an opinion on its behaviour by its carer. The bat was eventually euthanised and sent for testing. When the result came through and the carer had to be rushed to Liverpool for post exposure treatment followed by my wifes treatment - it brings it home just how serious the subject is.

Thanks Jim, I should have explained that better in my first post.

Jean Farmer · #12 (**permalink**) 23-02-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

I thought you needed a license to handle bats. Also, bear in mind a bat handler died of rabies a few years ago after being bitten by a daubenton's.

Jim

Know exactly what you mean Jim, but if you saw a creature in distress, would YOU ring the Ministry before you tried to rescue it ?

Jean