TRINIDAD-Government confirms no increase in bat biting or rabies cases.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government says there has been no recent increase in cases of bat biting or rabies among animals in the country.

“The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual behaviour in animals, evidence of bat bites, or suspected rabies cases immediately to the nearest County Veterinary Office. Early detection and intervention are critical in preventing the spread of disease and safeguarding both animal and public health,” the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries said in a statement.

It stated that incidents of bat biting have historically affected livestock in rural farming communities, where nocturnal activity by hematophagous bats, commonly known as vampire bats, may occur.

“In Trinidad, vampire bats are the vector for rabies. There has been no increase in reports of suspected rabies cases within the animal population, and all suspected cases are promptly investigated and addressed,” the ministry said.

It stated that veterinary officers from the Ministry’s Animal Production and Health Division and the Anti-Rabies Unit continuously monitor the national rabies disease status and respond promptly to reports of bat bites from farmers and other animal owners.

The ministry stated that when cases are reported, affected individuals are provided with Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, a treatment to prevent rabies, in collaboration with the Veterinary Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health. Investigations are conducted in surrounding premises to determine whether bat biting is occurring in other locations.

It stated that the Anti-Rabies Unit guides bat-proofing residences and measures to prevent bat bites. Bats are trapped and safely removed, and further control measures are carried out at nearby roosts to manage the vampire bat population.

“All animals that have been bitten or are at risk, including other pets in the household or herd members of livestock, are vaccinated against rabies. Ring vaccination activities are also conducted for all at-risk animals within a 10-kilometre radius of any premises with suspected cases of rabies.

”The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of the nation’s livestock and population and urges full cooperation from the public as prevention and control efforts continue.”