Latest news with #BatConservationTrust
The Independent
5 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Rare virus discovered in bat on Isle of Wight
An injured bat rescued from a garden in Shorwell, Isle of Wight, tested positive for the extremely rare European Bat Lyssavirus-1 (EBLV-1). EBLV-1 is a rabies -like virus, distinct from the common dog rabies, and is found in only a very small number of bats, not affecting the UK's rabies-free status. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency investigated the incident and found no evidence of human or animal exposure to the infected bat. The Bat Conservation Trust advises anyone bitten, scratched, or licked by a bat to seek immediate medical attention and contact the National Bat Helpline, as rabies can be fatal if untreated. All British bats are legally protected, and the public is advised not to handle them. If rescue is necessary, thick gloves and a face covering should be worn.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Rare rabies-like virus found in island bat
An injured bat that was rescued from a back garden turned out to have an extremely rare, rabies-like virus, the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs has said. The animal was found earlier this month in Shorwell on the Isle of Wight. The resident picked it up wearing gloves and kept it in a shoebox overnight, while waiting for it to be collected by volunteers from Isle of Wight Bat Hospital. Department for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the bat was later found to have a virus that caused rabies, known as European Bat Lyssavirus-1 (EBLV-1) - but Defra said other mammals were not considered to be at risk. Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) said it investigated and found no scratches or bites to humans or animals. There are two types of viruses that cause rabies carried in bats in the UK - EBLV-1 and EBLV-2. Both are extremely rare in the UK and their presence does not change the UK's status as a rabies-free country, according to Defra. EBLVs cause the rabies disease but they are not the classical rabies virus associated with dogs and responsible for most rabies cases worldwide, according to the Bat Conservation Trust. Alex Morss, from the trust, said: "Rabies-related viruses have only ever been recorded in less than 0.3% of all bats tested since 1986 (59 bats of 19,000 tested), and in only two of the 18 bat species present in the UK, the serotine bat and the Daubenton's bat." He added: "There have only been two recorded cases of rabies viruses from an infected wild British animal in a human in Britain since records began - One case was in 1902, the other case was in 2002." European Bat Lyssavirus-1 (EBLV-1) has been detected in Serotine bats since 2018, with the first case being found in Dorset, according to APHA. As of May 2024, 34 cases of EBLV-1 had been reported in the UK, according to research from the University of Surrey and APHA. Mr Morss said anyone who suspected they had been licked, bitten or scratched by a bat should contact the National Bat Helpline - 0345 1300 228 - and seek immediate medical assistance. Vaccinations provided soon after exposure are 100% effective in preventing the disease, according to the NHS. "There is no risk to human health if you do not handle British bats, even if they are roosting in buildings you use, Mr Morss said. "No action should be taken to disturb or harm any wild bats or their roosts. "Bats are non-aggressive, shy mammals and will avoid contact with humans." All 18 British bat species and their roosts are legally protected. Mr Morss said bats should only ever be handled by a person with a licence and after appropriate training, unless a bat in distress is being rescued, in which case thick gloves and a face mask or covering should be worn. British woman dies from rabies after puppy scratch Rabies death sparks 'jump in vaccine inquiries' Culling bats does not halt rabies
BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Bat with rabies-like virus found on Isle of Wight
An injured bat that was rescued from a back garden turned out to have an extremely rare, rabies-like virus, the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs has animal was found earlier this month in Shorwell on the Isle of resident picked it up wearing gloves and kept it in a shoebox overnight, while waiting for it to be collected by volunteers from Isle of Wight Bat for Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the bat was later found to have a virus that caused rabies, known as European Bat Lyssavirus-1 (EBLV-1) - but Defra said other mammals were not considered to be at risk. Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) said it investigated and found no scratches or bites to humans or are two types of viruses that cause rabies carried in bats in the UK - EBLV-1 and EBLV-2. Both are extremely rare in the UK and their presence does not change the UK's status as a rabies-free country, according to Defra. EBLVs cause the rabies disease but they are not the classical rabies virus associated with dogs and responsible for most rabies cases worldwide, according to the Bat Conservation Trust. Alex Morss, from the trust, said: "Rabies-related viruses have only ever been recorded in less than 0.3% of all bats tested since 1986 (59 bats of 19,000 tested), and in only two of the 18 bat species present in the UK, the serotine bat and the Daubenton's bat."He added: "There have only been two recorded cases of rabies viruses from an infected wild British animal in a human in Britain since records began - One case was in 1902, the other case was in 2002."European Bat Lyssavirus-1 (EBLV-1) has been detected in Serotine bats since 2018, with the first case being found in Dorset, according to APHA. As of May 2024, 34 cases of EBLV-1 had been reported in the UK, according to research from the University of Surrey and APHA. Legally protected Mr Morss said anyone who suspected they had been licked, bitten or scratched by a bat should contact the National Bat Helpline - 0345 1300 228 - and seek immediate medical assistance. Vaccinations provided soon after exposure are 100% effective in preventing the disease, according to the NHS. "There is no risk to human health if you do not handle British bats, even if they are roosting in buildings you use, Mr Morss said. "No action should be taken to disturb or harm any wild bats or their roosts."Bats are non-aggressive, shy mammals and will avoid contact with humans."All 18 British bat species and their roosts are legally protected. Mr Morss said bats should only ever be handled by a person with a licence and after appropriate training, unless a bat in distress is being rescued, in which case thick gloves and a face mask or covering should be worn.
South Wales Argus
29-04-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Former Newport library could be transformed into grocery
The old Pill Library, on Commercial Road, Newport, has been vacant since August 2024. Now, a planning application has been approved to transform it back into a retail unit, specifically a grocery shop with a butchery. The application was submitted and has so far received no public objections. The shop will offer a range of daily goods including bread, milk, and soft drinks, with proposed opening hours from 8am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 9pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The ground floor of the building, which dates back to the 1890s, was originally a retail unit before it became a library in 2008. The upper floors, which are not part of this application, have been converted into apartments since 2000. The building, which is adjacent to a public car park, is not listed and is not in a conservation area. The transformation involves some internal refurbishments, including the installation of shelving, flooring, fridges, and freezers for the new retail use. Photos of the ongoing fit-out work were provided in the planning documents. As part of the green infrastructure statement, minimal biodiversity measures are included due to spatial constraints. These measures focus on enhancing bat and bird habitats by installing bat and bird boxes on the rear elevation of the building. The boxes will be placed between 2 and 4 metres high for birds, and more than 3 metres high for bats. The lighting scheme will also follow recommendations from the Bat Conservation Trust Guidance Note 08/18, ensuring the use of bat-friendly external lighting. It is anticipated that there will be no highway safety concerns due to the library's location within a retail zone with short-stay parking and a nearby pedestrian crossing. The transformation of the old library is expected to double the total full-time employment from one to two. The application was submitted on April 4, 2025, and is currently undergoing consultation until May 15. The site, with an area of 78 square metres, will remain connected to the mains sewer for foul sewage, and surface water will be disposed of via the existing watercourse. The planning documents noted that there are no trees, hedges, or flood risks identified on the site. Similarly, no designated or protected species or habitats were identified on or near the site. The planning documents did not detail waste arrangements. The building is close to various amenities and public transport links, making it a convenient location for shoppers. The new grocery shop is expected to provide a useful service to the local community, offering a range of daily necessities. The informal consultation with neighbours reportedly showed support for the new shop, with no formal objections noted at this stage. With the approval of this planning application, the old Pill Library will soon be bustling once more, this time with shoppers instead of readers. The transformation of this historic building marks a new chapter in its long history of serving the Newport community.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Thriving bat population detected at Sutton Hoo
A rare bat species has been found among a thriving population at a site famous for the unearthing of an Anglo-Saxon burial ship. Sixteen detectors were placed at Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, over the past two summers by a local environmental group working with the University of Suffolk. The common pipistrelle was the most prominent species and the barbastelle, a species which the Bat Conservation Trust considers to be rare in the UK, was also detected. Mark Bowler, course leader in wildlife, ecology and conservation science at the university, said the National Trust site was "fantastic for bats and brilliantly managed for nurturing wildlife". Referring to the barbastelles, he said: "They are low in density which makes them hard to find, but we find them regularly at Sutton Hoo, so it's a great conservation good news story in our county." The detectors recorded up to 900 movements per night in some areas of the historic site. Matt Wilson, countryside manager for the National Trust in Suffolk and Essex, said: "The survey results are even better than we thought they might be, with audio from nine to 10 of the UK's 18 species recorded." "It's great to know that both common and rarer bat species, like the barbastelle, are thriving here at Sutton Hoo." Transition Woodbridge, working with university staff and students, had previously detected barbastelles and nine other bat species in people's gardens in the town. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Dig to explore 'mysterious features' at Sutton Hoo Photos of Sutton Hoo excavation to be conserved Rare bat found during volunteer garden survey University of Suffolk Transition Woodbridge Sutton Hoo
