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Bat in Isle of Wight Tests Positive for Rare Virus

6/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A bat rescued from a Shorwell garden on the Isle of Wight has tested positive for the rare European Bat Lyssavirus-1 (EBLV-1), a rabies-like virus, as confirmed by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs. Fortunately, Defra reassured the public that other mammals remain safe from this virus.

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Story summary

A bat rescued from a Shorwell garden on the Isle of Wight has tested positive for the rare European Bat Lyssavirus-1 (EBLV-1), a rabies-like virus, as confirmed by the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs. Fortunately, Defra reassured the public that other mammals remain safe from this virus.