Leave them bats alone! At least, that’s what scientists suggest to prevent future pandemics

ITHACA, N.Y. — In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists are doing what they can to prevent future outbreaks. One recent study by Cornell University and the Wildlife Conservation Society highlights the importance of leaving bats undisturbed in their natural habitats. Bats have been identified as reservoirs for numerous viruses that can cross over to humans, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19.

In a new paper published in The Lancet Planetary Health, researchers make the case that allowing bats to live undisturbed is a critical first step for avoiding another catastrophe on the scale of COVID-19 or SARS. By adopting a global taboo that respects bats and their habitats, scientists say we can significantly lower the risk of future zoonotic pandemics.

“In a globalized world with 8 billion people, we can no longer ignore our interconnectedness with the wildlife and ecosystems around us. We must change humanity’s relationship with nature if we want to prevent the next pandemic of zoonotic origin—and that can start with bats,” says Dr. Susan Lieberman, WCS’s Vice President for International Policy, in a media release.

Zoonotic spillover occurs when a pathogen jumps from animals to humans, leading to the emergence of infectious diseases. By interfering with bats’ habitats and behaviors, humans increase the chances of zoonotic spillover events. Activities such as hunting, consuming bats, culling them, or encroaching on their natural habitats disrupt their delicate ecosystem and facilitate the transmission of viruses to humans.

Bats, often misunderstood and feared, play a critical role in maintaining ecological balance. They are natural reservoirs for a wide range of viruses that can infect not only humans but also other species. Bats have been linked to the transmission of rabies, Marburg filoviruses, Hendra and Nipah paramyxoviruses, and coronaviruses such as MERS. Fruit bats are believed to be a source of Ebolaviruses.

While we may never fully uncover the exact origins of SARS-CoV-2, the broad outlines are clear, according to the study authors. Simply leaving bats alone could significantly reduce the risk of such pathogens making their way into human populations, the authors emphasize. The adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” rings true when it comes to pandemic prevention.

“Getting humanity to work collaboratively at a global scale underpins most of the existential challenges we face, from climate change and environmental pollution to biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse—this at a time when earnest collaboration even at local scales often seems elusive,” notes Cornell Professor of Wildlife Health & Health Policy Steven A. Osofsky, lead author of the study. “However, if we can actually stop hunting, eating, and trading bats, stay out of their caves, keep livestock away from areas where bats are concentrated, and if we can stop deforesting, degrading (or even start restoring) their natural habitats, we can indisputably lower the chances of another pandemic.”

Preserving bats goes beyond pandemic prevention. Bats provide invaluable ecosystem services, including natural pest control by preying on mosquitos and other harmful insects. They also play a vital role in pollination, benefiting a wide array of important crops. By safeguarding bats, the researchers say we ensure the continuity of these ecosystem services and secure billions of dollars worth of benefits.

With multiple disease outbreaks already traced back to bat origin viruses in recent decades, experts say this “global taboo” on encroaching on bat habitats could steer humanity away from repeating recent history. If such policy changes can garner even a fraction of the support of efforts against climate change, substantial progress could be made to avoid catastrophes on the scale of COVID-19.

The paper is published in the journal The Lancet Planetary Health.