Rabies in insectivorous bats (Molossidae) of southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Four rabid bats belonging to three species of Molossidae (one Molossus molossus, one Nyctinomops laticaudatus and two N. macrotis) were captured in the State of S. Paulo, southeastern Brazil. Three of these bats were found during the day in unusual, visible places and the other came flying through a window in the evening. A descriptive table containing data on 19 similar cases, belonging to eight species, is presented and suggests that bats with atypical behavior must dearly be suspected of being sick, possibly as having rabies.