Why Are Bats Hosts for Viruses?
Bats have a unique immune system that prevents them from getting sick from many of the viruses that they pick up on their nocturnal excursions. On average, a bat can play host to up to 137 viruses, nearly half of which are zoonotic, meaning that they can spread to other species. Stress can throw the bat's immune system off balance. When this occurs, the viruses start to multiply. They proliferate in the bat's excretions, including feces, urine, and saliva. When this happens, coming in contact with a bat's droppings can cause illness in humans and other animal species. A bite from a bat could also spread illness to another animal or a human being. It should be pointed out that "coronavirus" is actually a broad category that includes several different types, including viruses that cause the common cold. Canadian bats do not carry the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. They carry a different type of coronavirus that is extremely unlikely to spread to humans. In other words, if you are concerned about contracting the new coronavirus, you should worry less about contact with bats and more about contact with other people.How Did the New Coronavirus Spread From Bats to Humans?
