BATS in Britain may be carrying a strain of rabies which can affect humans, the government have warned.

In September a bat handler from Lancashire was bitten in the hand and the bat was later proved to have the rabies strain only the second time that it has been recorded in Britain.

The species concerned is the Daubenton's Bat. A few years ago I did some research on the distribution of bats and recorded two Daubenton's flying over the Leeds and Liverpool Canal between Burnley and Barrowford. Because of its swallow-like flight over rivers and canals it is often called the Water Bat.

It is about three and a half inches (9cm) from nose to tail and it opens its mouth so wide that insects fly into its gape as the bat flies.

It should be remembered that ALL British bats eat insects and do not suck blood. The only time they bite is when they are picked up in the hand.

Bats are protected by law and only registered Bat Groups have a licence to touch them.

Now since the very rare rabies occurrences, it is essential that all who handle bats, especially Daubenton's need to take great care.