Rabies Infection in Franconia: Rabies Virus Detected in Bat in Lower Franconia

The rabies virus has been confirmed in a bat found in Würzburg, Bavaria, marking the first documented instance of the Lyssavirus in the city. The discovery was announced by the city's authorities.

This follows similar findings in June, when two bats of the species *Pipistrellus nathusii* ( a common name for Breitflügelfledermaus) in the neighboring district of Aschaffenburg also tested positive for the rabies virus. While these are the first cases identified in Würzburg, the virus has been detected in bats in the wider Lower Franconia region.

The Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) assesses the risk of infection from native bats as low. However, officials strongly recommend caution. They advise the public never to handle bats with bare hands, particularly if the animal appears grounded, unable to fly, or exhibits unusual behavior, such as being active during daylight hours. Rabid bats may display neurological symptoms like disorientation or paralysis, leading them to the ground and potentially into contact with domestic animals. Infected bats can also become aggressive.