Bat Attacks in Mexico Raise Rabies Fears

Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo — Cattle farmers in the community of Nuevo Israel are reporting an invasion of bats from the Desmodontinae family, a species known for its hematophagous, or blood-feeding, trait. These bats are primarily attacking cattle herds, raising the risk of infecting the animals with disease, most notably paralytic rabies, also known as "derriengue."

According to information provided by Brígido Ay, a resident of Nuevo Israel, a town located on the Chetumal-Mérida shortcut, the problem is significant. "Currently, we are overrun by the presence of bats that suck the blood of our cattle," Ay stated.

He continued, saying, "These bloodsuckers have been heavily present in our pastures and corrals where the cattle are kept at night. They attack our livestock, with the risk of transmitting diseases, such as bovine rabies or also known as derriengue."

Ay mentioned that the Committee for Livestock Development and Protection has nets to capture the bats, but this action is only carried out once a year. He emphasized the need for these preventive actions to be performed several times or during different periods of the year to maintain control over the population of these bats.

The source indicated that "our animals are exposed to being infected with bovine rabies during the heat period. If a case presents itself, the animal has to be sacrificed so that the other cattle do not meet the same fate."

He referred to ongoing efforts to protect their animals, also noting concerns about the presence of the screwworm. "We have been taking care of our animals from the presence of the screwworm as well, so we hope that it can be controlled and that this disease, which has been affecting farmers in different localities of the municipality of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, can be eradicated."

Meanwhile, residents and farmers in the community of Tihosuco have reported several cases not of cattle infected by the screwworm, but of their pets, specifically dogs. They have had to take the animals to the veterinarian to perform necessary treatments to save them.

This was confirmed by Carlos Uicab, who stated that people whose animals have been affected have had to carry out the necessary cures. He described how the worms can be seen exiting the dogs' bodies after they receive the appropriate medication to exterminate the parasites.

"Finally, he said that so far we have not been informed that cattle in this area have been affected, but as farmers, we are keeping an eye on our animals and will do what is necessary to save our livestock."