Protecting bat habitats is emerging as a key strategy in efforts to prevent future outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, with wildlife and public health experts warning that disturbing bat colonies can increase the risk of viruses spilling over to humans. The warning comes as Rwanda rolls out a nationwide public awareness campaign to promote safe coexistence with bats while reducing disease risks in communities where people and wildlife frequently interact. Zoonotic diseases are infections that spread naturally between animals and humans. They account for most emerging infectious diseases worldwide, including Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), Ebola, COVID-19, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), avian influenza and West Nile virus. ALSO READ: What you should know about Marburg virus disease Richard Muvunyi, Head of Wildlife Health and Research Coordination at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said Rwanda's first Marburg outbreak in late 2024 highlighted the dangers of disturbing wildlife habitats. According to Muvunyi, investigations linked the outbreak to human exposure to fruit bats in a mining cave in Nyarugenge District after mine workers attempted to chase the bats away. Mine workers disturbed bats while trying to kill and chase them away. That is how the first person became infected with the Marburg virus. Although he survived after treatment, his wife and baby died, Muvunyi said. The awareness campaign, dubbed Community Orientation Meetings on Zoonotic Disease Risk from Wildlife, Mitigation, Prevention and Control Measures at High-Risk Interfaces, has begun in Bugesera and Rwamagana districts before expanding to other parts of the country. The initiative seeks to educate communities on how to protect bat habitats while minimizing the risk of disease transmission. It also comes as Rwanda prepares to establish the Rwanda Nature Foundation, a new institution that will strengthen the conservation and sustainable management of wildlife and protected areas. Safe coexistence Experts say bats naturally carry many microorganisms without becoming sick and rarely pose a threat unless humans disturb their habitats or come into unsafe contact with them. Rather than killing bats found in homes, Muvunyi advised residents to allow the animals to leave naturally at night before sealing entry points. ALSO READ: Rwanda to set up $24m lab to detect, respond to zoonotic diseases He also urged people to avoid entering caves inhabited by bats, particularly for religious or recreational activities, and discouraged the use of bat droppings as fertilizer because they may contain harmful pathogens. People should avoid hunting, handling or eating bats, touching bat saliva, urine or droppings, and should wear protective equipment when cleaning contaminated areas. Anyone bitten or scratched by a bat should immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes before seeking medical attention. The campaign, organized by the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA) in partnership with RDB, targets local leaders, community health workers, security personnel, public health professionals and wildlife conservation practitioners. ALSO READ: Rwanda to use GPS to monitor bats for zoonotic diseases Bats play essential ecological roles, including insect control, pollination and seed dispersal, yet misconceptions continue to fuel unnecessary killing and destruction of their habitats, Muvunyi said. We can protect bats and their natural habitats while safeguarding public health. People should avoid disturbing bat roosts unnecessarily. Most emerging diseases come from animals Jean Paul Mushayija, a One Health specialist, said approximately 75 percent of new and emerging infectious diseases affecting humans originate from animals, while around 60 percent of all infectious diseases in people are zoonotic. He said environmental degradation, deforestation, rapid urban development, wildlife exploitation and poor waste management are increasing interactions between people and wildlife, creating more opportunities for viruses to spread. Without preventive measures, future outbreaks could become even more difficult to control, he warned. Communities changing attitudes The campaign is already helping communities rethink how they interact with bats. Jacqueline Uwamariya, a resident of Ruhuha Sector in Bugesera District, said people in her community had recently tried to kill bats using chemicals and traps after noticing an increase in their numbers around forests and public spaces. Now we understand that disturbing bats could actually increase the risk of disease transmission. We also learnt that destroying wildlife habitats is illegal and punishable, she said. ALSO READ: Rwanda declares Marburg virus outbreak over Dr Deo Ruhagazi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of RWCA, said the programme is designed to help communities safely coexist with bats instead of fearing or persecuting them. He said Bugesera and Rwamagana districts were selected because previous mapping conducted during Marburg preparedness identified several areas where human activities overlap with bat habitats. Abandoned illegal mining tunnels have become important bat roosting sites, increasing the likelihood of contact between bats and people. People should not assume every bat carries disease or that bats should be killed whenever they are seen. Disturbing wildlife not only harms biodiversity but may also increase disease risks, Ruhagazi said. Jean de Dieu Niyitanga, Veterinary Officer for Rwamagana District, said misconceptions remain widespread, with some residents cutting down trees or burning bat habitats because they believe bats bring bad luck. He said increasing public awareness would help communities appreciate the ecological value of bats while reducing unnecessary conflict between people and wildlife. Marthe Uwamugira, Executive Secretary of Ruhuha Sector, said local authorities had previously attempted to chase bats away from trees around public offices but have since adopted a different approach. We have learnt that people should not kill or disturb bats because doing so may increase the risk of disease transmission. Communities can safely coexist with bats, she said. Critical role in nature Beyond public health, conservationists say bats are among Rwanda's most important wildlife species. Rwanda is home to more than 54 bat species that play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Insect-eating bats consume thousands of mosquitoes and agricultural pests every night, helping reduce crop damage and mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria. Fruit bats pollinate crops, including mangoes and avocados, while dispersing seeds that support natural forest regeneration. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), bats have existed for more than 50 million years and today account for more than 1,500 species, making them the world's second-largest order of mammals. Research also shows bats pollinate more than 300 species of fruit-bearing plants globally. Experts say protecting bat habitats is therefore not only essential for conserving biodiversity but also a practical public health measure that can help reduce the risk of future zoonotic disease outbreaks while preserving the ecosystem services on which communities depend.
