HL Deb 17 June 1996 vol 573 cc5-6WA
Lord Kingsland

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether it has been able to confirm rabies in the bat in East Sussex which died on 3rd June.

Lord Lucas

Tests carried out by the Central Veterinary Laboratory have now confirmed that a bat which died in East Sussex on 3rd June had rabies. The type is European Bat Lyssa Virus Type II. Two people who handled and were bitten by the bat have received post-exposure treatment. A third possible contact is being followed up. No confirmed cases have previously been found in bats in Great Britain. MAFF have carried out a survey of the area where the bat was found and believe it to be an isolated individual from across the English Channel. As a precaution we are arranging to monitor the local bat population for a period.

In addition a notice under the Rabies (Control) Order 1974 has been served on a premises restricting movement of other bats there and requiring cleansing and disinfection.