Plus-Hex CLINICAL
Effective bat handling, accurate admission records and awareness of zoonotic risks are essential elements in achieving positive outcomes. The integration of knowledge on bat care into veterinary training and practice protocols will enhance professional confidence and promote the welfare of these ecologically significant species.
Establishing clear communication channels with bat carers, rescue networks and the BCT will support consistent and informed decision-making in clinical settings. In addition, by maintaining essential first aid equipment and protocols, veterinary teams can respond promptly to public concerns about bats and contribute meaningfully to national conservation efforts.
Ultimately, improving the standard of care for bats reinforces the broader commitment of the veterinary profession to biodiversity protection, responsible wildlife stewardship and the ethical treatment of all animal species entrusted to human care.
Assessment of learning
1. What information should be included on a bat admission form?
a) Location where the bat was found b) Circumstances in which the bat was found c) Whether anyone was scratched or bitten by the bat d) Contact details of the finder e) All of the above
2. What items should be included in a practice ' s first aid kit for bats?
a) Faunarium, tea towel, thin paintbrush / pipette b) Clean milk container lid, Hill ' s AD, Oralade c) Heat pad, face mask, gloves d) Toys, exercise equipment, deep bedding e) Answers a), b) and c)
3. What can butter be used for in the care of bats? a) To remove oil-based contaminants from the bat b) To remove water-based contaminants from the bat c) To soften the bat ' s skin
4. What should always be worn when handling bats? a) Bobble hat b) Warm coat c) Wellington boots d) Protective gloves
1. e) All of the above 2. e) Answers a), b) and c) 3. a) To remove oil-based contaminants from the bat 4. d) Protective gloves
REFERENCES
Answers
1 Bat Conservation Trust. Greater horseshoe bat. Available from: https:// www. bats. org. uk / about-bats / what-are-bats / uk-bats / greater-horseshoe [ Accessed 4 October 2025 ].
2 Bat Conservation Trust. Wearing gloves when handling bats. 2020. Available from: https:// cdn. bats. org. uk / uploads / pdf / Resources / Rabies-documents / Wearing-gloves-when-you-handle-bats _ August2020. pdf [ Accessed 14 October 2025 ].
3 Bat Conservation Trust. I think I’ ve been bitten by a bat. Available from: https:// www. bats. org. uk / advice / i-think-ive-been-bitten-bya-bat [ Accessed 16 November 2025 ].
4 Bat Conservation Trust. Bat Rescue Register. 2021. Available from: https:// cdn. bats. org. uk / uploads / images / Photo-Gallery / Bat-Care / BCT-Bat-Rescue-Register-Maggie-Brown. pdf [ Accessed 16 November 2025 ].
5 Holland S. Anyone fancy seeing a bat? Providing care for bats in practice. Veterinary Practice. 2022. Available from: https:// www. veterinary-practice. com / article / bats-in-practice [ Accessed 26 April 2025 ].
6 Randerson J. Bat enthusiast killed by rabies. New Scientist. 2002. Available from: https:// www. newscientist. com / article / dn3101-batenthusiast-killed-by-rabies / [ Accessed 26 April 2025 ].
7 Kerr A. Wildlife casualties – to treat or not to treat? Veterinary Nursing Journal. 2010; 25( 1): 33 – 34. Available from: https:// bvna. org. uk / blog / wildlife-casualties-to-treat-or-not-to-treat-by-anniekerr / [ Accessed 14 October 2025 ].
8 Shipman J. Handling and identification techniques. In: Identifying Bats of Britain and Ireland: A Field Worker ' s Guide. London: Pelagic Publishing; 2025. p. 15 – 39.
9 Bat Conservation Trust. UK Bats. Available from: https:// www. bats. org. uk / about-bats / what-are-bats / uk-bats [ Accessed 16 November 2025 ].
10 Lollar A. Diagnosis and treatment of illness. In: The Rehabilitation and Captive Care of Insectivorous Bats. Rev ed. Weatherford: Bat World Sanctuary; 2023. p. 121 – 155. Available from: https:// batworld. org / wp-content / uploads / 2025 / 06 / The-Rehabilitation-and- Captive-Care-of-Insectivorous-Bats-2023-download. pdf [ Accessed 14 October 2025 ].
11 Miller H. Bat Care Guidelines. 2nd ed. London: Bat Conservation Trust; 2016. Available from: https:// cdn. bats. org. uk / uploads / images / Photo-Gallery / Bat-Care / Bat _ Care _ Guidelines _ 2016 _ final. pdf [ Accessed 14 October 2025 ].
12 Bat Conservation Trust. Other threats: Fishing hooks. Available from: https:// www. bats. org. uk / about-bats / threats-to-bats / otherthreats / bats-and-fishing [ Accessed 26 April 2025 ].
Volume 41( 1) • February 2026
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