Vampire Bats and Rabies

Vampire bats, native to South and Central America, feed on blood and are linked to rabies outbreaks in Peru. Researcher Daniel Striker studies the ecological factors contributing to rabies spread among bats. His findings suggest that livestock may buffer humans from rabies, but environmental changes in the Amazon increase human exposure. Striker's research aims to predict rabies spread and inform vaccination strategies.

What do vampire bats primarily feed on in South and Central America?

• Birds

• Fish

• Insects

• Livestock

What is the main route of rabies transmission by vampire bats?

• Touching

• Scratching

• Biting

• Breathing

What ecological characteristic makes vampire bats a 'perfect storm' for rabies transmission?

• Feeding on insects

• Feeding on plants

• Feeding on fish

• Feeding on larger mammals

Why are human rabies cases rare in agricultural areas despite a large bat population?

• Bats are not infected

• Humans are immune

• Livestock act as a buffer

• Bats avoid humans

What is the strain of rabies found in vampire bats known as?

• Aggressive rabies

• Paralytic or dumb rabies

• Silent rabies

• Classic rabies

What does a fluorescent green dye indicate in Striker's rabies test?

• Presence of antibodies

• Absence of antibodies

• Absence of rabies

• Presence of rabies

Why might rabies be more common in the Amazon rainforest?

• More human activity

• Less wildlife

• More vampire bats

• More livestock

What is the main food source for vampire bats in the Amazon rainforest?

• Fish

• Birds

• Humans

• Livestock

What is the purpose of Striker's research on vampire bats?

• To eradicate bats

• To predict rabies spread

• To increase bat population

• To study bat diet

What environmental changes in the Amazon have affected vampire bat feeding habits?

• Habitat destruction

• Increased livestock

• More wildlife

• Less human activity