ABSTRACT
The rst report of a rabies virus (RABV) in European bats was recorded in the mid-1950s and described an aggressive encounter in Hamburg, Germany, between a bat and a young boy resulting in a bite to the nger [1]. Prior to this rabies was only considered an infection of terrestrial carnivores, mainly the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Gradually more cases were reported and monoclonal antibody typing provided evidence that although the viruses responsible appeared to cause rabies in bats, they were distinct from the classical RABV found in foxes throughout much of Europe [2]. This in turn led to the adoption of the name European bat lyssavirus (EBLV). European bat lyssaviruses have been described as causing an emerging zoonotic disease [3]. Although primarily associated with European insectivorous bats, their importance lies in their ability to “jump the species barrier” and cause rabies in humans. To date there have been ve deaths resulting from encounters with bats in Europe [4,5]. In addition there have been reports of EBLV infecting sheep [6], zoo bats [7], stone marten [8], and cats [9].
