Zoonotic Disease Incidence and Risk Assessment of Bat Populations in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Authors(s): C. Gillin

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: annual report

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Abstract: Objectives To determine the presence of zoonotic pathogens(vesicular stomatitis, western equine encephalitis, rabies) in bats roosting in buildings within Grand Teton National Park. Findings and Status In June and July of 2001, bats were sampled in GTNP for the presence of Vesicular Stomatitis and Western Equine Encephalitis. Males and non-pregnant female bats were sampled from buildings and serum was analyzed for antibodies to these diseases. A total of 177 bats were captured, and 112 blood samples obtained. 56 of these samples were submitted for VS and 56 for WEE viral neutralization tests. At any sampling site, all bats captured were of the same species (Table1). All samples were submitted and results are pending at the diagnostic laboratories. Samples of guano collected from handled bats were viewed via microscopic inspection for the presence of intestinal parasites. Coccidia and Ascarid eggs were noted in this cursory examination. Table 1. Capture sites, species and number of bats sampled for vesicular stomatitis and western equine encephalitis in GTNP, 2001. Disease Tested: Capture Site Species Number VS WEE Highlands E. fuscus 53 15 12 Beaver Creek M. lucifugus 22 8 4 Lupine Meadows M. lucifugus 100 33 40 Other sites M. lucifugus 2 0 0 This preliminary examination for zoonotic diseases within the GTNP bat populations will be conducted over 3 field seasons pending funding. Upon completion of the project, research findings will be submitted to the National Park Service via the Investigator's Annual Report, Grand Teton National Park, the NPS-UW Biological Research Station Annual Report, and Bat Conservation International.

Keywords: animal, disease, parasite, mammal, bat , Chiroptera, Grand Teton National Park