Viruses, Vol. 12, Pages 1002: Defining New Pathways to Manage the Ongoing Emergence of Bat Rabies in Latin America
Viruses, Vol. 12, Pages 1002: Defining New Pathways to Manage the Ongoing Emergence of Bat Rabies in Latin America
Viruses doi: 10.3390/v12091002
Authors:
Benavides
Valderrama
Recuenco
Uieda
Suzán
Avila-Flores
Velasco-Villa
Almeida
Andrade
Molina-Flores
Vigilato
Pompei
Tizzani
Carrera
Ibanez
Streicker
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.
Source: Viruses - Category: Virology Authors: Benavides Valderrama Recuenco Uieda Suz án Avila-Flores Velasco-Villa Almeida Andrade Molina-Flores Vigilato Pompei Tizzani Carrera Ibanez Streicker Tags: Review Source Type: research
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