Are bats a health risk?
Bats, like other mammals can carry rabies, and the closely-related virus EBL is present in some British bats. However, the level of infection within the bat population is probably very low. Human infection can only occur after being bitten or scratched by an infected bat. As few people, including roost owners, have ever seen a bat at close quarters, there is minimal risk provided you do not touch or handle a bat.
