Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference

This review of the public health importance and control of bats is oriented to Trinidad, since this country is well known for its studies of bat problems, especially rabies, and its bat control program. Bat problems which require control are: bat-associated diseases (viral, spirochetal, fungal, bacterial, and protozoan), vampire bats, and house bats. Present methods of bat control and possibilities for future control are discussed, as this is a matter of importance to Trinidad and other countries in Central and South America. Because of its large variety of bats and location, the small island of Trinidad is a natural laboratory to study bat ecology and evaluate control measures. A list of pertinent references is provided.