Bat vaccine under development after zoo deaths

Jersey Zoo Develops Groundbreaking Vaccine Following Bat Deaths

A new vaccine is being developed at Jersey Zoo to protect its bat population after 10 Livingstone fruit bats died from a bacterial infection.

In response to the outbreak, the zoo's bat enclosure has been temporarily closed for a week. The remaining bats—around 80 in total—have been relocated to an off-show area to allow zookeepers to monitor and care for them more closely.

Matt Goetz, interim zoological director of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, confirmed that all the bats are being treated as a precautionary measure. Initially, antibiotics were administered while the team worked to identify the exact bacterial strain and determine the most effective treatment.

Goetz revealed that the infection was caused by Pasteurella, a bacterium commonly found in the natural microbiome of bats. He emphasized that the outbreak was not caused by external contamination.

To prevent future incidents, a vaccine specifically tailored for bats is being developed—the first of its kind for this particular bacterium in the species. The bats are expected to receive the vaccine within the next month, and the protection is anticipated to be long-lasting.

While vaccines for Pasteurella exist for livestock, Goetz explained that each must be customized for the specific species and bacterial strain. Samples have been sent to Ridgeway Biologicals, a UK-based vaccine manufacturer, to begin the development process.

During the closure, zoo staff will also take the opportunity to carry out maintenance on the bat tunnel. However, there is no confirmed date for when the bats will return to public view.