Hildesheim on alert: bat at risk of rabies discovered!

Hildesheim on alert: bat at risk of rabies discovered!

An alarming discovery is causing concern in the Hildesheim district: a broad-winged bat was discovered on a parking deck in the city center and, after initial suspicions, was examined for rabies. On June 11, a passerby found the flightless animal, which was recovered by bat carer Karsten Passior. After the bat's death, Passior immediately informed the veterinary office. Further investigations confirmed the fears on Monday: the bat was actually suffering from rabies, which is causing considerable uproar in the Hildesheim district and beyond.

As alarming as the situation is, Germany has been officially free of classical rabies since 2008. However, the disease remains present in the bat population and the animals are a reservoir for it. Five cases of rabies in bats were documented in Lower Saxony in 2024, a trend supported by the findings of Laves Lower Saxony has been substantiated in recent years. The authorities therefore urgently warn: Sick bats should not be touched under any circumstances, because the rabies virus is mainly transmitted through bites and is usually fatal.

What does this mean for citizens?

Particular caution is required. If you encounter a flightless bat or suspect illness, you should contact the veterinary office or an experienced bat carer immediately. The right reaction could save lives in an emergency, because timely vaccination can prevent the outbreak of the disease in people who may be bitten. The authority also recommends that you always wear thick gloves and keep your distance when encountering bats in order to protect yourself and not cause unnecessary stress to the animals.

The broad-winged bat, which is widespread in Germany, lives almost exclusively in buildings and likes to hide behind wall cladding or in false roofs. This species feeds primarily on larger beetles and hunts in tree-lined pastures or parklands from dusk onwards. Despite its widespread presence, knowledge of its wintering habits is limited and, like many of its conspecifics, it is a protected species.

The biological perspective

In total there are around 25 different species of bats in Germany. The Bat protectors point out that bats play an important role ecologically, contributing to pollination and seed dispersal. But despite their important functions, they are threatened by changes in agriculture and forestry. Rabies, which is caused in bats by different virus variants such as EBLV-1, can lead to abnormal behavior and neurological deficits. It is important to accurately record these cases through a nationwide control system that will be implemented in close collaboration with bat biologists and volunteers.

It is crucial for the general public to be informed about the risks and the correct course of action. While rabies is usually found in the bat population and not in humans, careless handling can have fatal consequences. The ongoing investigations and studies on rabies in bats are therefore of great importance not only for the animals themselves, but also for our safety.

At a time when protecting and preserving biodiversity is becoming increasingly important, it's not just the welfare of the bats that counts - we also have to keep our own safety in mind. Keep your distance and stay informed to get through the warmer months safely.