Defining New Pathways to Manage the Ongoing Emergence of Bat Rabies in Latin America.

Julio A Benavides,Jorge E Carrera,Wilson Uieda,Daniel G Streicker,Marco Antonio Natal Vigilato,Marilene Almeida,Baldomero Molina-Flores,Fernanda A.G De Andrade,Rafael Avila-Flores,Julio Cesar Augusto Pompei,Paolo Tizzani,Darcy Ibanez,Gerardo Suzán,Sergio Recuenco,William Valderrama,Andres Velasco-Villa

doi:10.3390/v12091002

Abstract

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.

Highlights

Rabies is among the oldest known zoonoses but still challenges public and animal health systems on most continents
Rabies transmitted by Desmodus rotundus (Desmodus rotundus rabies virus, DRRV), generally referred to as the common vampire bat, has emerged as a previously underappreciated and growing threat which causes the majority of human and livestock rabies mortality in countries of Latin America where canine rabies is in the verge of elimination [1,2,3]
A century has passed since rabies transmitted by D. rotundus was first reported in humans and livestock [6]

Summary

Introduction

Rabies is among the oldest known zoonoses but still challenges public and animal health systems on most continents. In Latin America, national and regional programs focusing on mass dog vaccination have left only lingering hotspots of canine-mediated rabies in a few countries [1]. Rabies transmitted by Desmodus rotundus (Desmodus rotundus rabies virus, DRRV), generally referred to as the common vampire bat, has emerged as a previously underappreciated and growing threat which causes the majority of human and livestock rabies mortality in countries of Latin America where canine rabies is in the verge of elimination [1,2,3]. The human health burden of DRRV is challenging to measure given geographic isolation of affected communities and under-reporting, rates of bat depredation on humans and the associated rabies mortality can be alarming. We discuss the management tools currently available and identify research gaps that must be filled for current and future DRRV control strategies to be effective (Figure 2)

Current Knowledge

Current Management Practices

Improving Management

Conclusions and Future Steps