Vampire Bats Kill 23 People in Brazil

The BBC reports on a recent wave of attacks by vampire bats in Brazil. In the last two months an estimated 23 people have been killed as a result of the night attacks.

Blood-sucking vampire bats are rabies carriers, and it is the disease caused by the bites that has led to the deaths. More than 1300 people in total have so far been treated for rabies following vampire bat bites.

Vampire bats are not uncommon in Brazil, however this wave of attacks is described as unusually serious. Some people have blamed the attacks on the destruction of the rainforests, others have suggested that an increase in cattle farming might be causing the vampire bat population to rise because of an easily available food supply.