A BURY-based group has stressed that people who share their properties with bats need not fear contracting rabies.

The reassurance from the South Lancashire Bat Group comes after the death of a 55-year-old man in Tayside, Scotland. He died from rabies after being bitten by a bat.

Mr Steve Parker of the South Lancashire Bat Group said: "Bats are one of the few mammals which are happy living in close proximity to people, but that doesn't mean that you are at risk from rabies.

"Of the 3,000 UK bats tested for rabies in the last 15 years, only two have been found to be positive for European bat lyssavirus, the strain of rabies virus carried by some bats in Europe. Across the continent, only a handful of people have ever acquired rabies from a bat. Appropriate medical treatment is readily available for anyone bitten by a bat."

Steve, who has been handling bats for more than five years, added: "Bats are not aggressive and it is very unusual to be bitten at all. There are hundreds of bat roosts in houses across South Lancashire and Greater Manchester and they give a great deal of pleasure to many people.

"As in continental Europe, it is quite safe to continue to enjoy having bats in your home, provided you avoid handling them. Anyone who is bitten or scratched should seek immediate medical advice."

Steve is keen to hear from anyone who has bats in their property and to allay any concerns they may have.

You can contact Steve at South Lancashire Bat Group, which covers the Greater Manchester area, on 764 8850 or e-mail enquiries@slbg.org.uk instead.

More information about bats and rabies is also available on line from the Bat Conservation Trust at www.bats.org.uk and from the National Bat Helpline on 0845 1300 228.