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Vet nurses told not to be afraid of bats
Maggie Brown
Maggie Brown
Vet practices should be prepared to offer practical approach to bats

Speaking at the BVNA Congress in Telford on its second day, bat expert Maggie Brown reassured vet nurses that despite wildlife and welfare legislation, there is no legal restriction on vet practices caring for bats in the short term.

Health and safety concerns should be taken seriously, however, and sensible precautions taken. The risk is from bites and so the wearing of two layers of latex gloves should be routine when handling bats. If you are likely to handle them on a regular basis, then rabies vaccination may be a good idea.

Any bat found in daylight hours is likely to be compromised. Most commonly, Pipistrelle bats are presented and they are great escapologists. And 'dead' bats may simply be in daily torpor, so leave them alone until they wake up before examining them. A gentle approach to handling is essential.

A clear-sided plastic container is best for temporarily housing the bat and include a tea towel trapped in the lid so that the bat can cling and roost. It is useful to provide a protected heat source.

Provide water or rehydration fluid as a first measure. Food can then be provided, preferably as specially 'beheaded' live mealworms or prescription recovery or puppy-rearing pastes. This is a time-consuming exercise and requires great patience.

Fractures should be assessed on a case-by-case basis with future viability in mind; and cat bite wounds will invariably require antibiotic therapy. Dehydration is a common finding.

Infectious diseases of concern are white nose virus and lyssa viruses, especially EBLV2 in Daubenton's bats.

It is important to contact local bat carers for advice and help in restoring bats to the wild and the following are useful starting points for guidelines and information:

The Bat Conservation Trust website at www.bats.org.uk
National Bat Helpline on 0845 1300 228 or enquiries@bats.org.uk
Maggie Brown on 01943 466101

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.