Earlier this week Public Health England announced that a dead bat discovered in Dorset had tested positive for rabies.

The organisation stressed that the risk to humans is very low.

However, there is lots of advice on how to avoid catching rabies, what to do if you or your pet find a dead bat, what to do if you are bitten or scratched by a bat.

How to avoid catching rabies from a bat

  • If you have not been vaccinated against the disease, assume all bats are possible carriers
  • Avoid touching bats, either living or dead, whenever possible
  • There is no need to be concerned if you have bats roosting in your building or flying in your garden. Human contact with bats is very rare.

If you have been bitten or scratched by a bat

  • Wash the wound or contact area with soap and water
  • Disinfect it
  • Contact a doctor immediately

If you or your pet finds a bat

  • If you find a dead bat, don't handle it if possible.
  • Call the Bat Conservation Trust helpline on 0345 1300 228.
  • It is possible, but very rare for infected bats to pass rabies to other animals.
  • If you pet catches a bat, keep your pet under observation.
  • If you pet falls ill or starts behaving unusually, contact your vet immediately

Signs a bat may have rabies

  • Infected bats may not show any symptoms at all
  • If there are symptoms, they may include behaviour changes, disorientation and difficulty flying and eyes taking on a staring expression

Symptoms of rabies in humans

  • It's important to remember that it is extremely rare for humans to catch rabies from a bat
  • However, in humans, symptoms include anxiety, headaches and fever, spasms of the swallowing muscles making it difficult or impossible to drink and breathing difficulties.