Bats Nesting on the Roof of the House? IPB University Expert Warns of Zoonotic Disease Threats
The presence of bats around residential areas is often considered common and harmless. However, according to Prof Agus Setiyono, Professor of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science (SKHB) IPB University, the presence of these nocturnal animals poses a serious potential threat to human health.
Bats often nest on the roofs or ceilings of people’s homes. Without realizing it, activities such as feces, urine, saliva, and food waste left by bats can spread dangerous microbes such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
“Saliva, feces, urine, even food scraps that have not been consumed and carried by bats to houses can be a medium of transmission. They all have the potential to contain pathogens,” he explained.
In the collaborative research conducted by Prof Agus and his team, he revealed that they managed to identify eight new viruses from the bodies of bats.
He emphasized that the risk of zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to humans from bats is very real.
“The problem is that these viruses can coexist with the bat’s body without causing illness. But when transmitted to humans, they can cause various disorders, even death,” he said.
Clinical symptoms that appear in humans also vary, ranging from respiratory tract disorders such as flu and colds, to muscle and joint pain (myalgia), which is often mistaken for symptoms of ordinary fatigue.
In extreme cases, viruses from bats can cause brain inflammation (encephalitis), as was the case with the Nipah virus in Malaysia and Australia. “Encephalitis can be fatal. Because there are no symptoms in bats, many people do not realize the risk,” he added.
Apart from the activity of the bats themselves, Prof Agus also highlighted the role of humans in increasing this risk. The destruction of natural habitats such as forests causes bats to lose their natural food sources. In the end, they are forced to come closer to residential areas and consume fruits grown by residents, such as papaya or bananas.
“When the habitat is destroyed, they (bats) approach humans. And because there are pathogens in their bodies, humans take the risk,” said Prof Agus.
To prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases from bats, Prof Agus suggested a comprehensive approach, starting from educating the public to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. He also emphasized the importance of being aware of the early symptoms of diseases that can come from indirect interactions with bats.
“If you already know the contents of the bat’s body like that, it feels like we have to be extra careful,” he concluded.
With increased public awareness of the potential dangers of wildlife such as bats, it is hoped that prevention and health protection efforts can run more effectively and thoroughly. (IAAS/LAN)
