How do bats increase the likelihood of cross-species virus transmission?

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Bats' unique mobility significantly elevates the risk of cross-species virus transmission.

Bats are identified as a primary concern in the potential for new viral outbreaks due to their exceptional ability to fly, which allows them to traverse vast distances. This mobility facilitates the widespread dissemination of viruses as they move across diverse geographical areas. The study highlights that bats were responsible for a substantial proportion of the predicted new encounters between different mammal species, particularly in regions like Southeast Asia.
Bats as Mobile Reservoirs for Disease

As the sole mammals capable of sustained flight, bats possess a distinct advantage in dispersing pathogens compared to terrestrial mammals. Their ability to cover extensive distances means that any viruses they carry can be introduced to new environments and novel animal populations far more readily. This migratory behaviour is a key factor in understanding how diseases can emerge and spread across species barriers.
Increased Encounters Driven by Climate Change

The research indicates that climate change is forcing mammals, including bats, to seek out cooler habitats, leading to unprecedented interactions between species that have not previously coexisted. These novel encounters create opportunities for viruses to jump from one species to another. The study projects that by 2070, at least 15,000 new instances of viruses transferring between animals could occur, with bats contributing significantly to this phenomenon, especially in Southeast Asia.
Vulnerability and Global Spread

When these virus-carrying bats encounter other mammals, particularly in areas that are becoming more populated due to climate-induced migration, the risk to human health intensifies. The study suggests that such interactions are occurring in areas where human populations are more susceptible, potentially allowing for the global spread of newly emerged viruses from these initial centres. The research underscores that this process is already underway and is not easily preventable, even with significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

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How do bats increase the likelihood of cross-species virus transmission?

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