Estudo biométrico de morcegos insetívoros em Portugal Continental

Abstract

Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease caused by Lyssavirus, with bats representing important natural reservoirs in Europe. Despite the absence of endemic rabies in Portugal, surveillance of wild bat populations remains epidemiologically relevant. This study aimed to characterize biometrically insectivorous bats admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centres in mainland Portugal and to contribute to passive rabies surveillance. A total of 103 bat carcasses from six species were collected between 2016 and 2023 from three rehabilitation centres. Body weight, body length and wing length were recorded and compared with reference values. Many individuals presented reduced body weight, suggesting compromised body condition, while body and wing measurements were generally within expected physiological ranges. Rabies screening by RT-PCR was performed on brain tissue from 20 individuals, with all samples testing negative. These findings contribute to the biometric characterization of bats in Portugal and highlight the importance of passive surveillance programmes for zoonotic diseases such as rabies.