Agriculture Ministry Confirms No Increase in Bat Biting or Rabies Cases

September 11, 2025: – Chaguanas, Trinidad – The Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries wishes to assure the public that there has been no recent increase in cases of bat biting or rabies among animals in Trinidad and Tobago.

Incidents of bat biting have historically affected livestock in rural farming communities where nocturnal activity by hematophagous bats, commonly known as vampire bats, may occur. In Trinidad, vampire bats are the vector for rabies. There has been no increase in reports of suspected rabies cases within the animal population and all suspected cases are promptly investigated and addressed.

Veterinary officers from the Ministry’s Animal Production and Health Division and the Anti-Rabies Unit continuously monitor the national rabies disease status and respond quickly to reports of bat biting from farmers and other animal owners. When cases are reported, affected persons are provided with Post Exposure Prophylaxis, a treatment to prevent rabies, in collaboration with the Veterinary Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health. Investigations are conducted in surrounding premises to determine whether bat biting is occurring in other locations.

The Anti-Rabies Unit provides guidance on bat-proofing residences and measures to prevent bat biting. Bats are trapped and safely removed and further control measures are carried out at nearby roosts to manage the vampire bat population. All animals which have been bitten or are at risk, including other pets in the household or herd members of livestock, are vaccinated against rabies. Ring vaccination activities are also conducted for all at-risk animals within at least a 10 kilometre radius of any premises with suspected cases of rabies.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual behaviour in animals, evidence of bat bites, or suspected rabies cases immediately to the nearest County Veterinary Office. Early detection and intervention are critical in preventing the spread of disease and safeguarding both animal and public health.

County Veterinary Offices Contact Information:

• St. George East (Wallerfield): 220-6253 ext. 5078
• St. George West: 662-5986
• Caroni: 671-1861
• St Patrick: 647-8871
• Victoria Nariva Mayaro: 655-8410 or 655-3428
• St. Andrews: 668-2712
• National Animal Disease Control Centre (NADC): 693-1682

The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of the nation’s livestock and population and urges full cooperation from the public as prevention and control efforts continue.

 

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